SHIWK = WHISK

BOTUD = DOUBT

CRUCEA = ACCRUE

ROCUSH = CHORUS

CARTOON ANSWER:

WHEN THE PIANIST BEGAN THE SONG BY PLAYING THREE NOTES TOGETHER, HE —

HSKDOTACRCRU = STRUCK A CHORD

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!  I surprised my wife with a dozen roses and some chocolates this morning so I’m safe for another year.  I got the kids some chocolate covered Oreo cookies from the candy shop and the dogs got faux chocolate covered bones.  With all my bases covered, I opened my paper anticipating a V-Day themed puzzle but saw Elton John instead!  I’ve seen him in concert many years ago and it brought back some great memories of a wonderful evening.  The clue words were a quick solve this morning and I managed to complete the pun without using the letters.  My brain was spot on today so I went looking for details in the cartoon and only noticed a few.  Sir Elton had a ring on his pinky finger and two earrings and the man speaking appears to have two earrings as well.  If you look closely, the person in the last row has three hoop earrings.  I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine’s day and I’ll see you tomorrow!