OROED = RODEO
SCEHS = CHESS
RREFPE = PREFER
NUEBCO = BOUNCE
CARTOON ANSWER:
TRYING TO PLANT FLOWERS IN THE ROCKY SOIL WAS – – –
ODO ESS REF BON =
Today’s cartoon drops us into a backyard project that probably sounded a lot easier in theory than is playing out in real life. He’s hit a bit of a rough patch, with every shovelful meeting resistance, while she makes it clear it’s not just bad luck, it’s rock after rock after rock. The flowers have no choice but to sit in their pots and wait for a home until the ground decides to cooperate. Let’s just say what started as a simple project is quickly turning into more of a job, and anything but a smooth planting one.
OROED = RODEO
My pick for hardest. It was the only one I had to look at a few times.
Last used: 10/29/2024 as DEROO
SCEHS = CHESS
No trouble.
Last used: 5/27/2024 as HSESC
RREFPE = PREFER
Quite visible.
Last used: 3/16/2022 as REEFRP
NUEBCO = BOUNCE
No trouble at all.
Last used: 6/03/2025 as BCOUEN
➤ THE DIGGER
He’s wearing a look of exhaustion as he stands upright holding a shovel in his right hand, wearing gloves, a t-shirt, and pants. He has longer sideburns, a snapback hat, and a bead of sweat on his right cheek.
➤ ROCKY DISCOVERY
She’s kneeling in the dirt wearing a bandana across the top of her head, a t-shirt, and shorts. She’s holding a rock in her right hand while looking down at the ground.
➤ BACKYARD SETUP
Three pots of roses sit nearby waiting to be planted, with a small pile of rocks already pulled from the ground beside them. In the background, there’s a birdbath, a fence line, and sliding glass doors leading into the house. A faint silhouette appears through the left panel of the glass, possibly hinting at a piece of furniture.
The final answer was a 12-letter anagram that solved into a 2 + 3 + 2 + 5 layout. Our last puzzle for the month of April gave me quite a bit of pushback, as reading the cartoon sentence didn’t offer much help at first, and the word flowers did a great job disguising ROSES. I began my solve looking for anything tied to plants, but nothing immediately stood out, so I shifted gears and worked through the smaller pieces. Seeing the anagram in reverse gave me NO, and looking further down, ROSES popped into view, which brought the full phrase together. This one ended up being tougher than it should have been, really making me work for it, just like the guy in today’s cartoon. If it slowed you down too, our nudges were the flower BED they were trying to build and the three pots filled with ROSES helped bring it home.
🌹 Click-To-Reveal Facts*: About Roses
➤ How many roses are sold for Valentine’s Day each year?
SOURCE
➤ How old is the world’s oldest living rose?
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➤ How much rose oil does it take to make perfume?
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*For entertainment purposes only. Consult reliable sources for critical use.
🎉 National Holidays* – April 30
➤ National Oatmeal Cookie Day — A day celebrating one of the classic homemade treats, known for its hearty texture and often packed with raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips. SOURCE
➤ National Raisin Day — Highlighting dried grapes that have been enjoyed for centuries, raisins are used in everything from baking to snacking and even savory dishes. SOURCE
➤ National Bubble Tea Day — Celebrates the popular Taiwanese drink that blends tea, milk, sweet flavors, and chewy tapioca pearls into one unique experience. SOURCE
➤ National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day — Encourages giving animals in shelters a second chance, with millions of pets adopted each year into loving homes. SOURCE
➤ National Hairstylist Appreciation Day — Recognizes the professionals who help people look and feel their best through skill, creativity, and personal care. SOURCE
➤ National Honesty Day — A reminder of the value of truthfulness, encouraging people to be open, sincere, and straightforward in everyday life. SOURCE
➤ National Bugs Bunny Day — Celebrates the iconic cartoon character who first appeared in 1940 and became one of animation’s most recognizable figures. SOURCE
➤ National PrepareAthon! Day — Focused on emergency preparedness, this day promotes planning ahead for natural disasters and unexpected situations. SOURCE
➤ National Sarcoidosis Day — Raises awareness about a disease that causes inflammation in different parts of the body, often affecting the lungs and lymph nodes. SOURCE
➤ National Military Brats Day — Honors children of military families who grow up adapting to frequent moves and unique lifestyles tied to service. SOURCE
*For entertainment purposes only. Consult reliable sources for critical use.
🥄 Viral Recipe
These candy-coated grapes hit that perfect mix of sweet, crunchy, and cold in every bite. You roll them in flavored gelatin or sugar, let them set, and suddenly a basic fruit turns into something that feels like a snack you would have begged for as a kid. They’re quick, a little messy in a fun way, and disappear fast once people realize how addictive they are.
🛒 DAILY DROPS*
➤ Tootsie Roll Fruit Ones & Berry Ones — Tootsie Roll released two new varieties, with Fruit Ones featuring a fruit-filled center inside a crunchy shell and Berry Ones offering chewy berry flavors like strawberry and blue raspberry. Both follow the original formula while introducing new textures and flavors, and they are available now at select Walmart locations. SOURCE
➤ Cheez-It Cheesy Garlic Bread — Cheez-It introduced a Cheesy Garlic Bread flavor made with garlic seasoning and Romano cheese, shifting the profile toward a more savory, comfort-style taste. The release expands beyond traditional cheddar-focused options and is available now at select Albertsons-family stores. SOURCE
➤ Kool-Aid Hydration Electrolyte Mix — Kool-Aid launched a zero-sugar electrolyte powder mix that includes sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium while keeping its classic flavor lineup. It marks the brand’s entry into the functional beverage space and is rolling out now in stores like Hy-Vee. SOURCE
➤ Subway Fresh Value Menu — Subway launched its Fresh Value Menu, featuring more than a dozen items priced under $5, including deli subs, protein pockets, and rotating daily sandwich options. The menu focuses on lower-cost offerings across multiple categories and is available now nationwide. SOURCE
*Prices and participation may vary. Retailers may alter or end promotions without notice. For entertainment purposes only.
