Serious question, who else has used that new fast set mortar in cold weather?

I was on a job in Buffalo last week, trying to finish a small garden wall before the real freeze hit. The supplier was out of my usual stuff, so I grabbed a bag of that 'RapidSet' mortar mix, the one with the blue label. Figured it would be fine, even with the temp around 35 degrees. Big mistake. It started to go off in the mixer, like, way faster than the bag said. I barely got half the wall laid before my hawk load was turning to stone. Had to chip it out and start over the next day with a proper winter mix. Learned that advertised set times are a warm weather suggestion, not a cold weather promise. Has anyone found a fast set that actually works when it's this cold, or is it just a summer-only product?

Just pulled the plug on my smart home setup

I had a bunch of smart speakers and lights for years. After reading about how they constantly listen and send data to companies, I unplugged them all last month. My electricity bill dropped a bit, but more importantly, I feel more at ease knowing I'm not being watched. Anyone else go back to 'dumb' home tech?

Noticed a trend where building managers want monthly maintenance reports emailed directly.

My neighbor's kid won't stop asking about the 'fire magic' in my forge...

Every time I light up, he's at the fence with wide eyes, and now his parents want a demo... what's the best way to introduce beginners to the craft?

I finally tested that coffee ground trick for cleaning sinks

I mean, I sprinkled used grounds down the drain like the video showed, but it just clogged up worse. Idk, maybe it's just me but has anyone else had this happen?

Finally got the hang of diagnosing washing machine bearings by ear.

Do you use this trick or something else?

Question about the engine fix I watched at a resort airport

Seeing them use old parts without proper testing is why I stick to major carriers for long trips.

My rooftop herbs are a bird buffet now

In my neighborhood, rooftop gardens are popping up everywhere. I planted some mint and basil up there. Now pigeons visit daily for a snack. I hung old CDs to scare them, but they just stare at their reflections.

My solar-powered smart garden monitor killed my tomatoes

I bought this sensor to water my plants using solar power and local weather updates. It was meant to be eco-friendly and reduce water waste. The thing shut off watering because it thought it rained, but my gauge was dry. Now I'm out a crop and questioning all my green tech choices.

Found a hidden gem market in Barcelona that cut my food costs in half

On a recent trip to Barcelona, I found a local market away from the tourist areas. The prices for fresh stuff like fruits and bread were much cheaper. I made my own lunches and saved a lot, which was nice. Any tips for finding these kinds of places in new cities?