Tese's Place: The Ides of March

In Roman times, the Ides of March was a festive day (March 15th) dedicated to the god Mars and a military parade was usually held. In modern times, the term Ides of March is best known as the date that Julius Caesar was assassinated, in 44 BC.

I just really like the phrase "the ides of March" and so needed to use it as a title - but only today learned the above. Our March has been on the festive side. The rain has subsided, the air still crisp and the sun has been shining on us. I can't get enough of this sunshine thing. I know, technically I can, as I'm challenged, pigmentally speaking. (I know it's not a word, but it's my blog). It is time to plant here, not tomatoes or anything with delicate, above ground fruit or vegetables, but herbs, onions, radishes, lettuces, things of that nature - it makes me want to breath deeper the air out there. I haven't spent much time indoors this week. We're out in the yard puttzing around. We finished the front yard clean up! The yard is now just dirt. It may not seem like an improvement to some, but to us, it's a step in the right direction. Dirt today, garden tomorrow!

We've got lots of ladybugs in our yard.

Our new neighbor's cat, Mirage. Unfortunately, we have come to the conclusion that Coleman is very allergic to cats. His eyes puff up and sting in a significant way. He's very sad about this, as cats are one of his favorite animals. She's lovely to look at though.

Baseball season has begun. This was the first game of the season. It was tied 15-all. It's a lot of fun for us, a little challenging for Coleman. We are hoping he learns to love it.

Chris is team parent this year for Baseball. I love it!

BMX biking is a new passion around here. Coleman and his friend Ben and our neighbor A.J. have started building ramps in the backyard for riding. Another great excuse to buy a new bike - as we just can't seem to get enough of them. Coleman is now the proud owner of an orange BMX bike and a cool new helmet. The boys have been spending hours out in the yard building and riding. Max is not yet riding his bike like the big kids, but I took the training wheels off yesterday and within a month I bet he'll be a confident rider. Meanwhile, he's running after the bike riders as the race to the jumps. And climbing the maple tree which is right where the jumps begin, and of course bouncing. So much better than video games! So much better. In other back yard news, we have just hired someone to help us design and construct a tree fort in the stand of redwood trees we've got back there. It is going to be pretty special, hopefully a backyard the boys can really find magic in and fun and friends. One that will hold a special place in their memories when they are my age. I find it amazing how much is packed into this little lot - 17,000 sf, which is slightly bigger than 1/3 acre but less than 1/2 - and we've got room to roam.