All Adventures
Every Gus story, from the very beginning.
House Blessing: Traditions and How to Do One
A house blessing is a short ceremony that marks a new beginning in a home — with a priest, with family, or quietly alone. This guide covers what it is, how traditions around the world do it, and a simple way to hold one yourself.
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Estimating Pool Volume: A Practical Guide
Every pool chemical dose starts from one number: how many gallons your pool holds. This guide shows how to estimate pool volume for any shape, with the formulas and worked examples to check your own pool.
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What Does the Colour Grey Symbolise? Explained
Grey is the most contradictory neutral: calm and sophisticated in one setting, dull and distant in another. This guide covers what the colour grey symbolises, from balance and wisdom to the grey area itself.
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Gladiolus Flower Meaning: Symbolism Explained
The gladiolus is the sword lily: tall, upright, and named for a Roman blade. Its meanings run from strength of character and remembrance to a Victorian message of infatuation, and each color adds its own shade of meaning.
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Cambodia Temple Guide: Angkor Wat and Beyond
Cambodia’s temples are among the greatest sights in Southeast Asia, and Angkor Wat alone is worth the trip. This guide covers the temples to see first, how passes work, and how to plan a first visit without rushing it.
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Palomino, Colombia: A First-Trip Guide
Palomino is a small Caribbean beach town in La Guajira where jungle rivers meet the sea and the days run on tubing, surfing, and slow beach walks. This guide covers how to get there, what to do first, and how to plan a relaxed first trip.
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Khao Sok Floating Bungalows: A First-Trip Guide
Khao Sok’s floating bungalows sit on Cheow Lan Lake, reached only by boat, where limestone cliffs rise straight out of the water. This guide explains the stay types, how booking works, and what to know before you go.
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Gili Air, Indonesia: A First-Trip Guide
Gili Air is the quiet middle island of Lombok’s three Gilis, where bicycles replace cars and the days run on snorkeling, beach walks, and slow sunsets. This guide covers how to get there, what to do first, and how to plan a relaxed first trip.
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Minca, Colombia: A First-Trip Guide
Minca is a small mountain village above Santa Marta where waterfalls, coffee farms, and cloud-forest birdwatching replace beach days. This guide covers the top sights, the walks between them, and how to plan a first trip.
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What Do Turtles Represent? Symbolism Explained
Turtles represent longevity, patience, and protection in traditions around the world — a slow animal carrying an outsized meaning. This guide covers what turtles symbolize across cultures, and why a creature that carries its home became a symbol of steadiness itself.
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What Does 444 Mean Biblically? Explained
If you keep seeing 444, you may wonder whether the Bible gives it a meaning — and the honest answer starts with a surprise. The Bible never names 444 as a symbol, but the number 4 itself appears with real meaning in Scripture, and that distinction matters.
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What Does the Symbol of an Owl Represent? Meaning Explained
The owl is the most contradictory symbol in the animal kingdom: wisdom in one culture, a death omen in another, good fortune in a third. This guide covers what the owl represents across cultures, and why the same night bird earned such opposite readings.
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Nha Trang, Vietnam: A First-Trip Guide
Nha Trang is Vietnam’s classic beach base: a long city beach backed by hotels, a bay full of islands, and two ancient sites within easy reach. This guide covers the best months, the sights worth your time, and a simple 3-day first-trip route.
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AC Unit Size Calculator: How Many BTUs Do You Need?
An AC that is too small never gets comfortable, and one that is too big short-cycles and leaves the air clammy. This guide sizes your unit from room area, ceiling height, sun, and occupants, with a chart and worked examples you can check in minutes.
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What Does a Blue Jay Symbolize? Meaning Explained
A blue jay symbolizes bold communication, intelligence, and protection in most modern readings — a loud, clever bird that refuses to be ignored. Older folklore, though, gives the same bird a much darker job, and the difference between the two stories is worth knowing.
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Paphos, Cyprus: A First-Trip Guide
Paphos is Cyprus’s history-rich south-west coast — a UNESCO-listed town of Roman mosaics and rock-cut tombs, with a working harbour, sandy bays, and wild headland within easy reach. This guide picks the places to visit first, and how to fit them into three or four unhurried days.
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What Do Bees Represent? Symbolism Explained
Bees represent dedication, cooperation, and prosperity in traditions around the world — a tiny insect carrying an outsized meaning. This guide separates the folklore from the real insect, and explains why bees earned such a large reputation.
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When to Use a Semicolon Instead of a Comma
Most semicolon mistakes come from using it where a comma belongs, or a comma where a semicolon belongs. This guide gives the two real jobs of the semicolon, with examples, so you can choose correctly every time.
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Soil Yard Calculator: How Many Yards Do You Need?
A soil yard calculator answers one simple question: how many cubic yards of soil should you order for your bed, lawn, or raised bed? This guide explains the formula, the right depth for each job, and worked examples you can copy for your own yard.
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What Does an Itchy Left Palm Mean? Folklore Explained
In folklore, an itchy left palm is one of the oldest money omens in English — but ask two grandmothers and you may get opposite answers. This guide covers both traditional readings, why they flip by region, and the ordinary physical causes that explain most itchy palms.
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What Does a Blood Moon Represent? Meaning Explained
A blood moon turns the Moon a deep copper red during a total lunar eclipse, and for centuries people have read it as a sign of endings, revelation, and change. This guide separates the folklore from the astronomy, and explains why a red Moon earned such a dramatic reputation.
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Victorian Fashion, Explained: 1837–1901 Guide
Victorian fashion is the clothing worn in Britain and much of the Western world during Queen Victoria’s reign, from 1837 to 1901. Its silhouettes changed almost every decade — and the quickest way to date a Victorian outfit is to look at where its volume sits.
Ubud, Bali: A First-Trip Guide
Ubud sits inland from Bali’s beach resorts, among rice terraces, rainforest, and temples — and it is where the island’s art, dance, and spiritual life concentrate. This guide picks the things to do first on a first trip, and how to fit them into three or four days.
Palawan Island, Philippines: A First-Trip Guide
Palawan is the Philippines’ long, wild western province — limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, jungle, and some of the finest island-hopping and diving on Earth. This guide picks the places to visit first on a first trip, and how to fit them together without losing days to transfers.
Florence Sites to Visit: A First-Trip Guide
Florence’s historic centre is small enough to walk and dense enough to overwhelm — the Duomo, the Uffizi, Michelangelo’s David, and the Ponte Vecchio all sit within about twenty minutes of each other.
Where Do Green Eyes Come From? Genetics Explained
Green eyes are the rarest common eye colour, found in only about 2% of people worldwide.
What Was the Oath of the Tennis Court? Explained
On 20 June 1789, the deputies of France’s Third Estate, locked out of their meeting hall at Versailles, crowded into a nearby indoor tennis court and swore not to separate until France had a constitution.
Grass Seed Calculator: How Much Seed Do You Need?
A grass seed calculator answers one simple question: how much seed should you buy for your lawn?
What Do Hummingbirds Symbolize? Meaning Explained
Across the Americas, hummingbirds symbolize joy, resilience, and renewal — a tiny bird carrying an outsized meaning.
Firewood Cord Calculator: How to Measure a Cord
A cord is 128 cubic feet of neatly stacked wood — but a face cord is only a third of that. This guide gives you the formula, worked examples, and the checks that stop a short delivery.
Douyin Fashion, Explained: Trends and How to Wear Them
Douyin fashion is the short-video style coming out of China, where outfits are made to move on camera. This guide explains what Douyin is, the trends it made famous, and how to wear them without copying a video frame by frame.
Best Places to Visit in Panama: A First-Trip Guide
Panama packs two oceans, a world-famous canal, Caribbean islands, and cool mountain towns into one small country. This guide picks the places worth your time first, and how to fit them together.
What Are Retro Fashion Styles? A Guide
Retro fashion styles are modern clothes designed to imitate a past decade, from 1950s circle skirts to 1990s slip dresses. This guide explains what “retro” really means, how it differs from vintage, and the signature looks of each decade.
Can You Put Vanilla Extract in Coffee?
Yes, you can put vanilla extract in coffee, and a few drops are all it takes to add warm vanilla flavour without sugar. This guide covers how much to use, when to add it, and how it compares with vanilla syrup and flavoured beans.
Why Does My Washing Machine Smell? Causes and Fixes
A washing machine that smells musty, sour, or like rotten eggs is one of the most common household complaints, and it is usually fixable. This guide explains the real causes, the cleaning steps that work, and the warning signs that point to plumbing instead.
What a Ladybug Landing on You Means
In folklore across many cultures, a ladybug landing on you is a sign of good luck, love, or protection. This guide separates the old sayings from the real insect, and explains why this tiny beetle earned such a large reputation.
Two Truths and a Lie Ideas for Your Next Game
Two Truths and a Lie needs nothing but people and a little nerve: each player shares two true statements and one lie, and everyone else guesses the lie. This guide explains the rules and gives you ready-made ideas for funny, tricky, and family-friendly rounds.
Fall Coffee Drinks to Make at Home
Fall coffee drinks are about warm spice, orchard fruit, and cozy sweetness — not just pumpkin. This guide covers the best seasonal drinks to order or make at home, with simple syrups that turn an ordinary latte into a fall favorite.
Panama Geisha Coffee: Why It Costs So Much
Panama Geisha coffee is one of the most prized coffees in the world — floral, tea-like, and famously expensive. This guide explains where it came from, what it tastes like, and whether it is worth trying.
Coffee Flavors, Explained: A Tasting Guide
Coffee flavors describe what a cup tastes like — berry, chocolate, floral, and more — not ingredients added to the beans. This guide explains the main flavor families and how to taste them.
Short Bible Verses to Memorize and Carry With You
A short verse can be memorized in a minute and carried all day. Here are brief, well-loved verses for strength, peace, hope, and gratitude.
How Many Batteries for Daily 80 kWh? A Sizing Guide
A home using 80 kWh a day needs far more storage than the average house. Here is the sizing math, the battery counts, and the cheaper overnight-only option.
SNAP Benefits Indiana: How to Apply and Qualify
Indiana SNAP helps low-income households buy food through the Hoosier Works EBT card. Here is who qualifies, how to apply, and what happens next.
What Are Jorts? The Denim Shorts, Explained
Jorts are simply jean shorts — but today the word usually means one specific cut: baggy, knee-length denim. Here is what counts, and how to wear them.
Town vs City: What’s the Difference, Explained
Towns and cities differ in more than size: legal status, services, and daily life all change with the label. Here is how to tell them apart.
1920s Women’s Fashion Trends, Explained
1920s women’s fashion replaced corsets and floor-length skirts with drop-waist dresses, bob haircuts and cloche hats, as women claimed new freedom after the First World War. This guide covers the flapper, the garçonne, evening wear, accessories and the decade’s lasting influence.
Pokemon Card Dimensions: Size, Explained
Every standard Pokemon card is the same size: 2.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall, or 63 by 88 millimetres. This guide covers the standard size, jumbo and special cards, and the sleeves, binders and toploaders that fit them.
What to Wear Today: A Simple Guide
Choosing what to wear today gets easier when you stop starting from your whole wardrobe and start from the day itself: the weather, your schedule, and what is actually clean. This guide gives you a five-minute routine and simple outfit formulas for work, casual days, dates and travel.
Coke Zero vs Diet Coke: What’s the Difference?
Coke Zero and Diet Coke are both sugar-free colas, yet they taste different and are sweetened differently. This comparison explains the sweeteners, caffeine, flavour and history behind each can.
Do Coffee Beans Go Bad?
Dry coffee beans rarely become unsafe, but they do go stale: aroma fades and flavour flattens as oxygen, heat, light and moisture do their work. This guide explains how long beans last, how to tell stale from spoiled, and how to store them so they stay lively.
How to Grow Coffee Beans at Home
Coffee beans grow on the tropical shrub Coffea arabica, which also makes an attractive houseplant. This guide covers starting from seed, daily care, and the years-long wait for your first cherries.
Why Is My Washer Not Draining? Causes and Fixes
If your washer finishes a cycle with clothes still sitting in water, the cause is usually simple: a clogged drain pump filter, a kinked drain hose, or a faulty lid switch. This guide walks through the checks in order, easiest first, and explains when to call a professional.
Chow Mein vs Lo Mein: What’s the Difference?
Chow mein noodles are par-boiled then stir-fried, so they come out browned and a little crisp; lo mein noodles are fully boiled then tossed with sauce, so they stay soft and saucy. This guide explains the difference so you can order exactly what you want.
Nigiri vs Sashimi: What’s the Difference?
Nigiri is vinegared rice topped with fish; sashimi is sliced raw fish served without rice. This guide compares the two so you can order with confidence.
Different Types of Coffee, Explained
Coffee menus can feel like a code, with the same drink appearing under different names in different cafés. This guide untangles the four layers behind every cup — bean, roast, brew method, and finished drink — so you can choose with confidence.
How Much Ground Coffee Per Cup? A Guide
Use about 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per cup as a starting point, and weigh it when you can. This guide explains the cup sizes, ratios, and brew-method tweaks behind that number.
AI Transformation Is a Problem of Governance
AI transformation stalls less because models are weak than because no one owns the decisions around them. This guide sets out the governance choices that let AI scale safely.
Kamado Grill vs Offset Smoker: Which Backyard Cooker Fits How You Cook?
Kamado grills and offset smokers both make excellent barbecue, but they ask for different time, space and effort. This comparison walks through heat, capacity, fuel, versatility and cost to help you choose.
Food Stamp Income Limit: What Counts, and What Your State May Change
Federal SNAP food stamp income limits for October 2026 to September 2027, by household size. This guide explains the gross and net tests, the resource limit, and why your state’s limit may be higher.
Become a dog sitter
I began dog sitting in October of 2012 and have loved every minute of it. Rover.com allows dog owners to find…
Happy Valentines Day!
A Valentine’s Day photo of Gus the Boston Terrier.
When Lauren’s away the DropCam catches Squish…Play?!
Ever since I discovered a live stream of puppies, I have been hooked on webcams. I now use them to check weather…
Valentines Day Gifts For Your Dog
I’ve always loved Etsy, but lately… I’ve become obsessed. So obsessed that it took me over two months to pick…
Our trip to San Francisco
About a year ago, my friend Lauren moved to San Francisco, taking Gus’ best friend Squish along with her. Last…
Dog Safety in the Car
A good friend recently shared an article with me. The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) tested several dog harnesses on…
My Pet Food Drive – A Big THANK YOU!
I’ve started an annual tradition of hosting a pet food and supplies drive to benefit The Doney Memorial Pet…
P.L.A.Y. Introduces New Bed
Gus’ BFF Squish works for P.L.A.Y. and they just released this awesome mustache bed. There is only a limited…
Wordless Wednesday
A wordless Wednesday photo of Gus the Boston Terrier.
P.L.A.Y. Dog Bed = Heaven
Gus recently received a new bed from his BFF Squish in San Francisco and boy – was he in for a treat! Gus got the…
Gus on BuzzFeed!
A little bit ago, I helped my coworker Kiki write a little article for BuzzFeed. It went live a few days ago and…
Throwback Thursday
Gus and I, moments after I picked him up on day one!
Pupsicles
It’s been hot here in the Seattle area, and Kenzo, one of my Rover dogs, was struggling with the heat. With some…
Gus swims!
It has been very hot here in Seattle, and during our last trip to the Magnuson off leash park, Gus showed some…
How to Avoid an Ear Infection
Gus is prone to ear infections. They first started after our camping trip last Labor Day weekend when we were down…
Take Your Dog To Work Day
Gus comes to work with me everyday, so this is nothing new but today: he sports his new Rover.com shades (he is a…
Wordless Wednesday: Dinosaurs are NOT Extinct
Gus the Boston Terrier — dinosaurs are NOT extinct.
stay classy gus…
Squish’s awesome mom bought him a tie dog collar but his neck was a little… big for it so Gus got the hand me…
Experiencing the loss of a rover dog
Maggie My very first booking through Rover.com was with Maggie, the Dachshund. As I had only watched the dogs of…
A tribute to a best friend
At my previous job I was not allowed to bring Gus to work, although I do admit sometimes I would sneak him under…
Why a Boston Terrier?
Many people ask why I chose to get a Boston Terrier, and the answer is simple. All Boston Terriers I have had the…