Any other cryptic crossword fans?

[WideWebWitch]

Nothing to do with children but I just wondered whether there were any other cryptic crossword fans out there? I like the Everyman in the Observer and most of the Guardian setters, although I rarely get very far with Araucaria, so I'm not that good! Those of you that always get the anagrams from the pub quiz - is it because you're crossword fans?

I love cryptic crosswords, but I'm completely rubbish at them. Only get the Guardian occassionally so maybe I've only been trying Araucaria. I am always very chuffed to get any clue that isn't an anagram!

We used to do them with my MIL before she died. One was printed on the order of service for her funeral for people to occupy themselves whilst they waited for her to turn up late (planned).

DH downloads one from The Age, the newspaper we took in Melbourne, most days. I haven't done one for motnhs but I do feel satisfied when I've worked one out.

Anagrams I find easy - DH hates them although he has got better now I've shown him my technique!

I used to do the Times one (well, when I say "do" obviously I mean I try to!) and if I'm at my parents I'll look at the Telegraph one. I used to be OK at them but not since having children - I guess my concentration isn't as good as it used to be.

Have phases when I'm OK at them but am usually too lazy/rubbish to complete them. What makes it worse is that is that my mum is an absolute ace at them, does all the Observer, Independent and IoS ones and frequently wins. Won the Everyman last week in fact! Love anagrams though, always put the letters in a circle. Love Countdown as well!

I do the Telegraph cryptic, and dh does the 'easy' one! I find that it keeps my brain from going spongey as I am a SAHM. I find the Independent a bit hard, but I suppose that is because I am not used to the style. Like the Times if I see it, but I am a Telegraph girl really. Some days I can finish it in 10 minutes, and others I can only get a few.