Ignore the Ides of March

Ides of March is familiar to all of us learning the day of March 15 when Julius Caesar, dictator of Rome, was stabbed to death in the Roman Senate house by 60 conspirators led by Marcus Brutus.

Ides of March was a day in Roman calendar that corresponds to March 15 and is dramatized in Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar, when Caesar is warned by a soothsayer to “beware of the ides of March.”

St. Patrick's day is a cultural and religious celebration held on March 17, the traditional death date of St Patrick, Saint of Ireland born in Roman Britain in late 14 century. He was kidnapped at age 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave.

But, putting aside all the gloom and doom, the Irish make the 17th day of March a happy day! It doesn't matter if you are Norwegian or Danish or any other nationality, the celebration goes on with parades, special foods, music, dancing, and lots of green!

Sadly, this years' Sioux Falls' parade and celebration is canceled.

The most true full-blooded Irish man who we knew was Jerry McDonnell! Cheers to you, Jerry, you are missed very much! When I cook my brisket and cabbage, I will be thinking of you!

Two days later, on March 19, spring begins! That is what I would celebrate, hoping it will be a warm one with a long awaited summer in it's footsteps. I am anxious to be outside and tend to my flowers and birds! I hope the humming birds find their way back here, along with the others that make their long flight to the South.

To everyone, happy March!

Treat others as you wish to be treated, and take good care of your partner.