CITHH = HITCH

REEMG = MERGE

PURYYS = SYRUPY

CNECAT = ACCENT

CARTOON ANSWER:

THE FLOCK OF BIRDS WAS SELLING ITS ROOSTS AND HOPED THAT OTHER BIRDS WOULD —

HHMEESRPCET = “PERCHES” THEM

Good morning everyone and happy Thursday!  The clue words have really impressed me so far this week as fresh words make the puzzle more satisfying to solve.  ACCENT gave me a hint of trouble causing me to pause just for a moment before it came into view.  Moving on to the cartoon answer, Mr. Hoyt decided to give us another word in quotes for the third time this week which is unusual yet appreciated.  Looking at the 11 clue letters, I noticed RESPECT was clumped together at the end but surely he wouldn’t make it that easy of a solve.  I took the bait anyway and tried it but of course it didn’t work.  THEM came into view next and after crossing it out, PERCHES took a few seconds to decipher for the finish.  The cartoon that Jeff gave us contained no obvious details that would help you solve the puzzle if you got stuck so you really had to use your noodle for this one.  Enjoy your Thursday and I look forward to seeing you right back here tomorrow!