All the posts have made it all a lot clearer as to what is required but, I really am not on ProXimal's wavelength and am having trouble parsing the clues I have, eg. the answer I have for 17a with the letters removed still makes a word plus 1a & 11a I think I have the answer to but bits of the wordplay don't seem to add up.
Now, All please forgive the chatter but.............
We are getting used to the idea of retirement DocHH but it is rather sad sitting on a dead farm with empty sheds. Really don't miss the responsibility and worry of a few 100 animals, nor the flies and the rest. Do miss having a tractor & trailer at times and having to 'pop next door' for some muck for the garden is strange.
Ginger Mog is now an 'old boy' of about 15 we think, he is now very half-hearted about his rodent control and prefers his cushion next to the radiator. Sadly K-D our last work dog died last year as is very much missed, other than that we plod on in something of a limbo, although Himself has taken up painting and photographing flowers when he is not falling off his bike!
Do hope you & Herself are well.