IMSUN = MINUS

OSEOG = GOOSE

NCRUCO = CONCUR

YMADRE = DREAMY

CARTOON ANSWER:

THE PLANT-NURSERY OWNERS WERE COMPETITORS UNTIL THEY FOUND SOME – – –

MNUGOOCONDRM = COMMON GROUND

Good morning everyone and happy Wednesday!  And just like that, Halloween and October are gone for the year and the official “holiday season” is now upon us.  It’s time to stow away all of the spooky decorations and decor, and plan and prepare for Thanksgiving and the other big holiday that’s only 54 short days away.  If you’re feeling especially festive, Christmas music begins at 12pm/EST on Sirius satellite radio channel 4.  I’m sure I’ll ask Alexa to tune in at some point later today.  🙂

This mornings puzzle was a piece of cake with only a short pause on CONCUR.  It’s my pick for the most difficult word with MINUS being a close second.  

Moving on to the cartoon, the giant “20 Acres For Sale” sign was what caught my eye first.  Reading the dialogue and sentence gave me the answer instantly with no need for help from the clue letters.  The letter layout was well jumbled and very cryptic.  In case you were wondering, the design on the man’s hat and name tag was a little “sprout” of some sort.  Have a wonderful Wednesday and I’ll see you tomorrow!