Puzzle Notes

Hello my chickadees! Even though this week is technically another off week, we couldn't bear letting you go two weeks without a cryptic fix. Today's puzzle is by yours truly, edited by Francis. This puzzle is on the easier side; it's been a frankly horrific few weeks (which is truly saying something) so my hope is it can offer at least a brief moment of escapism. So make some tea, curl up on your couch, and solve away.

Much love,

Claire (and the AVCX cryptic crew)