CROSSWORD

Your practical approach to life may charm someone who has been observing you. Deceit with coworkers is apparent. You will be overly generous with children this week. Don’t be afraid of opposition; your suggestions are valid.

Don’t let your emotions interfere with moneymaking deals. A friendship might suffer if money becomes an issue. Empty promises could be likely where work is concerned. Travel for business or pleasure.

You should get involved in competitive sports this week. Real estate ventures will be to your advantage. You can have a great time if you go out with the one you love. Opportunities to pamper yourself may unfold.

Short trips will prove to be more fruitful than you imagined. You might get behind if you spend too much time debating senseless issues. Spend some quality time with the one you love. Your talents will shine at work. Involvement in groups of interest will bring you in touch with important individuals.

ACROSS

Real estate ventures will be to your advantage. Invite friends or relatives into your home. Don’t push your luck with authority figures. A passionate party for two might be just the remedy.

Changes to your self-image will be to your benefit if you don’t overpay. Keep your wits about you and be sure that you can trust those you confide in. You should get out and meet new people this week. Don’t expect anything for nothing and you won’t be disappointed.

Changes at home might come fast and furious. You may want to take a trip; however, before you do, make sure that your car is serviced properly. Try not to get upset or angry without having all the facts. Watch your weight gain due to water retention.

1. men’s or women’s trousers for informal wear (6)

5. to convert a medicinal liquid to a fine sprayfor inhalation (8)

9. a prison block or section for those sentenced to death. (5,3)

10. a large fish-eating bird of prey (6)

11. a person hired or appointed to assist in the administration of a parish (12)

20. a place or situation in which someone expects to find great happiness (8,4)

23. of or like vinegar or acetic acid (6)

24. accurately assessing situations or people; perceptively (8)

25. destined to fail or have bad luck (3-5)

26. a piece of ground adjoining a house (6)

Down

2. a vegetable with a large slender white bulb and flat overlapping dark green leaves (4)

3. a manual of religious instruction (9)

4. a shoot of a plant (6)

5. the headquarters of the London Metropolitan Police (3,8,4)

6. a person who enjoys reading (8)

7. a person suffering from leprosy (5)

8. a set idea that people have about what someone or something is like (10)

12. given, felt, or done in return (10)

Take time to help children with projects that may be too hard for them to do on their own. Hide your cards and learn to say no. You have more than enough on your plate already. You may find travel to be most rewarding.

Think of starting a new business or emotional partnership. Educational courses will be stimulating and successful. You can stabilize your personal relation you’re willing to communicate honestly. Confusion regarding other people’s money and joint ventures will come to a head.

Tempers will mount if you’re too pushy at work or at home. You must not make unnecessary changes this week. If you can mix business with pleasure much can be accomplished. Make those phone calls and pay your bills.

13. a large hairy creature resembling a human or bear (4)

14. having asked a person or organisation for help or support (6,2)

17. a coffee-flavoured liqueur based on rum (3,5)

18. colloquial term for one’s father (4)

15. one employed to ensure efficient movement of goods or supplies in a business (9)

16. cut using a diagonal line (8)

19. untidy, disorganized, or incongruously varied in character (6)

21. a dominant or recurring idea in an artistic work (5)

22. in addition; besides (4)