Rachio Iro Smart Sprinkler Controller: Will it save money?

Ever since we moved into our house several years ago, I've been frustrated by the unnecessary complexity of our sprinkler controller.  "Smart" sprinkler controllers have been on the market for a while, but I was put off by the cost.  However, the Rachio Iro (1st Gen, 16 zone) went on sale for $150 (here) as inventory was cleared for the 2nd Gen model, I finally pulled the trigger.

Shoe Sole Repair

The sole on one of my dress shoes had come loose on one edge.  I went to fix it with ShoeGoo, but found my tube had dried out (no surprise -- I have no idea how many years I've had it).

Looking around for an alternative, I found some Loctite "Pit Crew's Choice Adhesive and Sealant".  It worked perfectly, maybe even better than the ShoeGoo.

Things I Like: Mountain Hardwear Kelvinator Down Jacket

I have avoided down gear most of my lift based on a suspected childhood allergy.  Realizing that most of my childhood allergies have disappeared (except Mountain Cedar!!), I decided to give down a chance.

My first piece of the down gear:  the Mountain Hardwear Kelvinator Jacket.  I love it!  It fits me perfectly, and the Cherry Bomb color is awesome ("Great Balls of Fire" by Jerry Lee Lewis pops in to my head every time I put it on).

Disclaimer:  I'm not a very good judge of down gear, obviously, since this is my first piece.  But I won't every be without a down jacket again.

Things I Like: Adidas Barricade Tour II 3-Pack Bag

This is the first post in a series titled "Things I Like".   My family often laments how picky I am when it comes to "gear".  I decided to post these in case anyone else out there had the same "specs" that I had.

Tennis Bag Required Features

• Holds 2-3 rackets
• Shoe tunnel

Really, that's all I wanted, but had a hard time finding it.  This struck me as odd as I know many players who carry two rackets and tennis shoes.  Everyone I asked said to get a smaller 6-pack bag, but they were too large for my needs.

Solution:  Adidas Barricade Tour II 3-Pack Bag (Adidas Barricade II Tour 6 Pack Tennis Bag)
 
Perfect fit of my stuff:

• 2 Wilson Six-one:95 rackets
• 1 pair size-11 shoes
• Water bottle
• Tennis clothes
• Sunglasses (in the microfiber-lined "media" pocket)
• 2-3 canisters of tennis balls
• Assorted small items (vibration dampeners, sweat towel, etc.)