Here’s a question for you — If a horse could talk (Hi, Mr. Ed!) — would he be a NAYSAYER? The answer at 26A today was naysayer — the clue was “Skeptical sort.”

The theme was BANANA SPLITS: At four places, the word BANANA was “split” between two side-by-side answers, e.g., caBANA NAysayer.

There is a kids group called the Banana Splits and they have a theme song called “The Tra La La Song.” Rex shared a version by Liz Phair that’s worth a listen, especially if you live under a rock like me and are unfamiliar with Liz Phair.

And here’s Liz, quieter:

I had another Monday DNF. What is wrong with me! This time I got snagged on 38D. The clue was “Gimlet or screwdriver.” The answer was four letters long, started with T and ended with L, and I had no idea. Turns out to be TOOL. Did you know the gimlet is a small boring tool? Not boring like my tax classes — boring like through wood. Live and learn (and forget, in most cases).

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Crossworld is a little on edge. Will Shortz suffered a stroke on Feb 4 and is in recovery. He says he’s doing well and we all hope he’s back on the job, torturing and infuriating us, soon.

Will is 71 and has been the puzzle editor at the NYT for 30 years. A spokesperson for the Times says a full recovery is expected and Will will return when he is ready ready. He comes under a lot of criticism for many of his puzzles, but that’s just puzzles — everyone wishes him well — 100%. And it’s hard not to admit the NYT puzzle department has had much success during his reign.

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Wanna see another cute redhead? Seriously. Who wouldn’t? Here’s grandniece Cordelia Anastasia Russell in some serious California snow and a head that has never been redder.

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We’re all a little tired from our very successful midwest tour. So we’re going to have a very quiet celebration of this Owl Chatter Post #450. George slaved over the stove all morning, and came up with this great cake: (You’re cleaning that mess up, btw, buddy! This isn’t Congress.)

It’s just the owls, George, Phil, Ana and us. We’re not even having any alcohol, except for Phil, of course, who needs it for his nightly stupor. Ana — no need to dress up for us slobs. So glad you’re hanging with us tonight.

Happy 450th everybody! See you tomorrow!