Measure Twice, Cut Once

This is more like it. I have no idea how long it took me to finish this morning’s puzzle. What I can say is that I could feel my heart rate … slow … down. Away from the pressure of a ticking clock, I entered into a state of free association, where options offered themselves for consideration. The non-starters politely walked away and the keepers sat down with confidence. Cross-checking answers before entering, like a good carpenter, makes for a neatly filled grid with no cross-outs, which is a thing of beauty and a joy forever.