How good are you at U.S. geographic trivia? Because this puzzle is predicated on state postal abbreviations, of all things. Luckily, I was the type of nerdy kid who memorized not only the state capitals, but also their two-letter short-hand. Which doesn’t always conform with AP style, by the way.The knowledge served me well today.

READ THE FULL POST:  State Annexation :: Crossword Kathy.

New York Times crossword Jan. 15 / Constructed by Finn Vigeland

A weather report? I gotcher weather report right here: I was 60 degrees warmer at this time yesterday. Yes, it was 85 glorious degrees in sunny Aruba, not the 25 degrees it is now in Philadelphia. So what more hurt could a weather-related puzzle inflict?

Well, it could add a little rain. Or a lot of rain. Which is what clever constructor Finn Vigeland did in this fun puzzle, where IT’S RAINING CATS AND DOGS (“Weather comment represented visually by this puzzle’s circled letters,” 66 Across). You’ll find all kinds of furry, four-legged breeds hidden in the theme answers:

(Read the full post at http://crosswordkathy.net/ )

New York Times crossword Dec. 25 / Constructed by Elizabeth C. Gorski

UPDATE: Hello again, this time from my kitchen table in Philadelphia. We’ve had two Christmases so far  – here and in Boston — and have been lucky enough to be invited for a fabulous dinner across the street, so I’ll keep this brief.

Today’s theme was a Christmas two-fer: A sweet theme topped by a connect-the-dots. The key was… (Full Post)

New York Times crossword Dec. 18 / Constructed by Patrick Merrell

Mobile blogging today from somewhere between Philadelphia and Lancaster, Pa., where we (finally!) redeemed a gift card for a Bed & Breakfast that a generous friend gave us as a wedding present … two years ago. It was worth the wait. If you’re ever out in Amish country, check out the Silverstone Inn & Suites.

In keeping with my Amish weekend, today’s puzzle had a plain and simple theme: (Read the full post here.)

Is that music I hear? Today’s puzzle is another reason to thank my mom for making me take piano lessons when I was young. A basic knowledge of sheet music made me realize that.. (Read the full post)