Wait, you were working concrete in Phoenix at 90 degrees? That's a dry heat but still, man. I've had good luck with Sika's liquid retarder when it's stupid hot.

Learned to just wait by the doors further down the platform. Everyone crowds the middle where the stairs are. Train empties out way faster if you're not in that main scrum. Last week I walked right on while people were still pushing to get off at the busy spot.

Terry's right about the timing being way too close for comfort. It does sound like the universe just wanted to stick you with the blame this time. At least you know you did the job right, even if it looks bad.

But I've always had good luck with dawn flats myself...

Okay that freezer tip is actually genius. I always thought once butter got that soupy it was a lost cause, but the ice cube trick makes total sense. My stubborn self would have just kept the bowl in longer and ended up with a butter brick. Beating it hard to mix the cold outside with the warm middle is way smarter. You just saved me from a future meltdown.