Life, Lived Better – Outdoors
Beware The Ides of March
I’ve heard the phrase, but never researched the meaning. Until today. Wow. Scandals, planet alignments, civil wars, fall of empires, and more are associated with March 15th.
Most people who do know about it, associate it with a famously dramatized moment in William Shakespeare‘s play Julius Caesar. If you’re not familiar, see the Wikipedia on the play. Or if you want to see everything involved with “The Ides”, see the history here.
Now, through exploring The Ides of March, what really tripped me out was learning about the Roman Calendar. It made my head hurt just reading it:
The Romans did not number each day of a month from the first to the last day. Instead, they counted back from three fixed points of the month: the Nones (the 5th or 7th, nine days inclusive before the Ides), the Ides (the 13th for most months, but the 15th in March, May, July, and October), and the Kalends (1st of the following month). Originally the Ides were supposed to be determined by the full moon, reflecting the lunar origin of the Roman calendar. In the earliest calendar, the Ides of March would have been the first full moon of the new year.
Grazie, ancestors of the Eternal City, but, no, I will not be using your calendar.
Thank goodness for our Gregorian calendar. Where the Roman Calendar says watch out, you are going to be betrayed; our calendar states: Welcome! Spring is on its way! This year, it starts on March 20th. That means longer and warmer days are upon us. Time to enjoy the outdoors in short sleeves and bathing suits (almost). It is time to start planting those seeds and getting our outdoor living areas ready for family, fun, and entertaining. I hope you reach out to us with any questions or visit our newly designed showrooms to take your backyard to a new level.
Here’s to the Ides of March, may yours be better than Caesar’s.
Take care,
Wayne Romain
Patio World
Life, Lived Better – Outdoors
Out & About
(Photo) Spring Forward – March 12, 2023
→ Miley Cyrus is a florist? Not really https://gardenrant.com/2023/03/miley-cyrus-sure-knows-how-to-sell-flowers.html
→ Planning and Execution, not always my strong suite. But the payoff is very rewarding https://www.kivodaily.com/home-decor/creating-your-dream-outdoor-retreat-tips-from-a-professional-patio-builder/
→ Everybody in my home complains about it. Read about the history of it and other factoids https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2023/02/14/daylight-saving-time-2023-when-does-it-start/69903324007/
→ From the science desk GIANT PENGUINS! https://slate.com/technology/2023/02/penguin-giant-millipede-beaver-fossils-paleontology.html
→ Cinco de Mayo is still a little way off, but this recipe is perfect for cool spring evenings https://www.closetcooking.com/mexican-style-black-bean-soup/
→ Is this your First Time? Don’t be shy, this will help you to dig right in https://www.gardenista.com/posts/5-things-first-time-gardener-needs-spring/
It’s a Dog’s Life…really
Send us a photo of your dog enjoying your backyard/outdoor space or on an adventure outdoors! If your photo is chosen, we will send your pup some treats! Just reply via email with the pic and what kind of treats they like!
(Photo) Mike, Alma, & Adriana sent this photo of Mia, frolicking in the flowers. A spring photo at it’s very best. Thank you for sending the pic, your treats are on the way!
Check out Mike’s other cool photos, food reviews, beer analysis, and more by clicking on the pic of his dog.
El Último Palabra (The Last Word)
Caesar was warned that harm would come on the Ides of March. On his way to the Theatre of Pompey, where he would be assassinated, Caesar passed and joked, “Well, the Ides of March are come”, implying that the prophecy had not been fulfilled, to which a seer replied “Aye, they are come, but they are not gone.”
I’m a little superstitious. Especially when I hear stories such as Caesar’s. It reminds me of the proverbial expression, “don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” This means you should temper your expectations with an imagined outcome. It’s a way of telling myself, “Be patient and don’t get overexcited.”
Sometimes I can’t help myself. I want Spring and Summer (and the warmer weather) to be here already, but I need to enjoy today, where I am at, 60-degree weather and all. And not complain.
As fellow enthusiasts of the outdoors, we always welcome your comments, suggestions, and ideas. We want this to be a community, so feel free to share and contribute. We might reach out to you for a future collaboration! You can leave a message here or email us at patioworld@patioworldonline.com
Whether at home or out in the wild, take it all in. Remember that life is truly lived better outdoors.
Take care,
WR
