7 of spades 1st and queen of spades 1st

Sweet ! Ditto on thanking everyone who gave clues, much appreciated !

Thanks for the generous clues, everyoe. A BIG thanks for the 7 first, James.

Robb, you don't need to explain yourself to those children.

Coming on just in time to say "Goodnight All:.
James, that joke made my day. Rich.
Steinbeck was a magnificent writer whose books can be read over and again.
Take care all of you nice people

Bruce gave some very good clues ,(non cryptic today at least ). I will add to them a couple more...9 first. You can also use 8 first if you choose. My 8 played over with the 9. That is the most I have seen him post in one day.

I've been struggling with this a long time. Like you, James, I finally found 7 first

No mention of 7 which I used to move 6.

One of my favourite books too, SusieP & James.

SusieP, "Of Mice and Men" is a really good book for all to read. It would open the eyes of many.