Puzzle Notes

Dear solvers,

With this puzzle, 2022 in AVCX Cryptics comes to an end, and we couldn't be happier to be closing the year out with a puzzle from Trip Payne. Trip modestly describes himself as follows:

Trip Payne is a Chicago-based puzzlemaker who is the co-editor of the Zynga app Crosswords With Friends.

We would describe him as a master of the cryptic craft, and we think you'll find this puzzle a challenge, but a smooth one -- the best kind!

Be well and see you in 2023,
The AVCX Cryptic team