EV 1019: Losing the Plot by Nutmeg

[DocHH]

Hello Everyone,
On the first pass through the clues looking for gifts I was disappointed at so few! Then steadily worked them, and things grew from there, having got the quote made solving the rest of the clues straightforward. Am I alone in thinking the definition in 32a should be 1 letter longer?
Is there any chance that todays theme is actually topical?
Time for a preprandial Jameson.

[novalis]

Hi DocHH and fellow EVers!

Managed this earlier before I got my head into some work. The last few unclued letters made finding the quotation easy and it was a case of everything coming up roses after that. Agree with you about 32 across.

[DocHH]

Hello Novalis,
Thanks for confirmation of 32a, thought I might have been "losing the plot"!

[novalis]

I lost it years ago!!

[Jogler]

Glad you posted re 32a.. what plot..

[dr b]

Greetings all, a fine puzzle today, although the quote was a bit random. I suppose it's seasonal.

Summer session teaching starts tomorrow. Argh.

[ringer]

Hi All
Kept me occupied for a good morning. Had to do some digging before completely populating the grid. I too agree with 32a. Spent Saturday in the company of 35a (400 of them) and yesterday rehearsing for the Olympic Flame ceremony in our area (singing in a choir). Back to work today for a rest!

[novalis]

Hi Ringer!

A friend of mine has just phoned to tell me that the torch relay went past her front door in Ilfracombe about 45 minutes ago and that the torch bearer was Jonathan Edwards. Enjoy your part in the proceedings.

[devadolly]

Hello Everybody................if there is still anybody there???? Am very late in starting this week and have identified the theme and the 'quote', have finished the grid apart from 1,2 & 3 d and the two joining acrosses in the NW corner, If there is a lone sole out there, can yopu please put me out of my misery before I grow roots! Many thanks.

[DocHH]

Hello Devadolly,
I am your lone sole!
1d, the youngsters referred to are normally young fish, or salmon in their second year.
2d "obstructed" can often be heard in a tennis match, if the ball hits the net during a service.
3d The king is the husband of Titania
11a the definition is also a Roman officer.
13a anagram of during plus gunmens first letter.
Hope all the renovation of your home is now complete and you are enjoying your new "environs"!

[devadolly]

Hello Doc, many thanks for the help, not been put into use yet as have just spent 4 hours putting everything back in the new cupboards etc. Have waited until today as Himself out of the way at a choir masterclass in Blackburn Cathedral. Bedroom now far too nice for us!