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Rows Garden #74

ROWS GARDEN 74 — HARDER

ROWS GARDEN 74 — EASIER

Rows Garden 74 Harder — Solution

Rows Garden 74 Easier — Solution

Not much to report today. Just got back from opening our family’s cabin in northwestern Wisconsin, a Ries tradition that’s always good for a good laugh or two. My favorite sporting event of the year — the Kentucky Derby — came and went, and I didn’t win the impromptu $5 buy-in pool that we had going during our cabin opener. And I suppose it’s a good thing I didn’t place an official bet this year, as my horse-to-watch, Gemologist, was a big bust. Interestingly, I rooted for Union Rags, the favorite at the race’s start as it turned out, but merely because his 9-letter name would have made for a good A-Row entry in a Rows Garden, especially if he became a serious Triple Crown contender by winning the Preakness in a couple of weeks. Ah, but PREAKNESS is a 9…

Oh, and this was cool: as I stated last week, there was a feature of me and Aries Puzzles in my local newspaper last Sunday. In the mail today, I received a personal letter from Earl Potter III, president of my alma mater, St. Cloud State University, who congratulated me on my success. I can assure you that’s the first time that has happened. Maybe I can just show that letter to my mom this weekend for her Mother’s Day gift. No? OK, I guess I can throw in some flowers, too. Love ya mom!

1 Comment

Andrew J. Ries, May 8th 2012 | Tags: , ,
Posted in Puzzles, Rows Garden

Rows Garden #73

ROWS GARDEN 73 — HARDER

ROWS GARDEN 73 — EASIER

Rows Garden 73 Harder — Solution

Rows Garden 73 Easier — Solution

Cool weekend! First, I won the Marbles-sponsored crossword tournament at the Mall of America, getting revenge on what is quickly becoming a hard-fought Twin Cities crossword rivalry with Victor Barocas, who bested yours truly on the big boards in March at the St. Paul tournament. Vic’s a great guy, though, so the rivalry doesn’t get past more than cordial trash-talking. And I got a chance to meet some more local puzzlers, and I even got my uncle Rick to compete, and he was able to finish all 3 puzzles in the time allotted. I reminded him that being able to do that isn’t something to be looked upon lightly, and congratulated him for his efforts. It wasn’t so long ago that I myself found Tuesdays and Wednesdays challenging to complete.

And then on Sunday I was reminded that the local daily paper was running a spotlight on Aries Puzzles. I had done the interview a few weeks ago and I had forgotten that it was running, so it was a nice surprise. What’s better, they featured a video of me solving a crossword on their website, which you can see HERE , along with the article.

Those who “like” Aries Puzzles on Facebook already know this, of course, which reminds me: if you want all your Aries Puzzles-related news when it happens, be sure to “like” this site (see the sidebar). After you do that, enjoy this week’s offering!

4 Comments

Andrew J. Ries, May 1st 2012 | Tags: , , ,
Posted in Puzzles, Rows Garden