This is one of those puzzles which came from an all too real experience — the springtime acquisition of the item referenced in 11-Across. I’m generally pretty careful about stepping in it myself but with a new puppy who likes to roam in the woods during our hikes, it was all but inevitable that she would bring it back home on her coat. Alas, she did and I ended up with it on my neck and arm. Thankfully, I’m pretty tolerant of it by now so it’s usually only a few days before it goes away.

Anyway, I hope your spring is otherwise free of the items referenced in both 11-Across and 24-Across and your life is generally free of the one referenced in 19-Across. We don’t need any more toxicity in our lives. But enjoy the puzzle!

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or play using the in-line applet below:

skull