Times Jumbo Cryptic

[stevenj]

Hello. First, a word of thanks to SWMBO. A few weeks ago I moaned because she made me wear Long Johns (Andy Pandys, as I called them. ) I was embarrassed, to say the least but she was relentless. And now, I can admit she was right. I have watched His Nibs play (brilliantly of course) in some pretty cold and horrible weather. But the dreaded ones have been great. And now the season is over and I am able to relax. Thank you Momma!.
To work on the Crossie. I have finished it, with some difficulty and, of course, some answers that I don't fully understand.
26ac. Man's excellent knowledge about British regiment in border area. With the letters I have I am confident that the answer is "Alsace Lorraine" which meets the border bit. But I just don't get the rest.
52 ac Barker grabbing little Mexican food. I have discovered that there is a dish called a tostada and that would fit. is it right? And why?
6d Draws line under reason for basic principles. "Ground rules" fits and they are basic principles. But, again , I don't get the rest
25d Novel touching and useless because without chapter. "Rebecca" fits (I have read it!) . Explanation please for the reason.

As ever, I'd be glad for a tutorial
steven

[roslyn251254]

52a tosa is a breed of dog (barker) with a tad ( a little ) inside

[Mamyalynne]

6
Reason - Ground
Draws line - Rules

[dannyk13]

26a; Al's (man's) + ace(excellent) + ra (British regiment) & in inside lore (knowledge)

[Mamyalynne]

25
Touching (about) - Re
useless because - Beca
Round (without) chapter - C

[Lie-in King]

Your answers are all ok -

26a 'Al's ace lore' (about) 'R(oyal) A(rtillery) in'
52a 'tosa' (dog, grabbing) 'tad' (little)
6d 'rules' (draws line, under) 'ground' (reason)
25d 're' (touching; on) + 'beca(use-less)' (without; round) 'c(hapter)'

Warm & relaxed, what could be better? :-)

[klazomaniac]

Als + Ace + Lore (with RA + in ) inside

[dannyk13]

25d.,Re (touching) + c(chapter) inside beca(use)

[stevenj]

Thank you all so much. A good tutorial as ever!
I have to admit I'd never heard of a tosa dog . The others I follow now that you have explained. Thanks to all of you.
And you are right Lie-in King. I am happy and relaxed. Mamyalynne suggested I would be when I first moaned. So thanks to her as well.
steven