Today, March 15

Today, March 15, is called the Ides of March, dating back to Roman times. Shakespeare wrote in his play, “Julius Caesar,” “Beware the Ides of March, an Ill wind blows.” Later that day, Caesar found out just what that soothsayer meant.

Years ago on a trip to Rome, Italy, we were roaming around in the Forum area and saw people walking with bouquets of flowers held upside down.

The custom in Italy is to carry them that way unless you are going to a funeral. The people that day were taking the flowers to lay on the steps of the ancient Roman Senate where Caesar had been assassinated 2, 000 years ago.

Nowadays, people still refer to the Ides of March as a day of unrest and expecting strong winds. I checked the 2012 Farmers Almanac and it looks clear that day.

The Carter Family used to sing an ole time song “March winds Goin’ to Blow my Blues all Away.”

Let’s hope so, ‘cause Saturday, March 17 is one of our favorite holidays, St. Patrick’s Day. Remember to wear Green so you’ll get kissed instead of pinched. Erin go Bragh, ya’ll!