THOMASPYNCHON

PRACTICALJOKEFilling a friend's car with balloons, e.g. POETICJUSTICEReward or punishment that may be ironic OLDWIVESTALESFoolish traditions SENSELESSNESSIdiocy ROLLINTOABALLArrive à la Cinderella? PRIMARYCOLORSThey can be mixed to make orange, green and purple GRANNYSQUARESPieces of crocheted fabric that make four-sided shapes ... or a hint to the theme words at 16a, 44a, 7d, and 41d: 2 wds. SEASONTOTASTESpring roll or summer sausage? NORTHERNCROSSConstellation that includes Cygnus (the Swan) STEALERSWHEELScottish folk rock band best known for the song Stuck in the Middle with You SOUTHERNCHARMReality TV show filmed primarily in Charleston INCONSEQUENCEAs a result INCAPACITATEDDisabled PRIMEMINISTEROne’s said to be first among equals (5,8)