July is the seventh month of the year. Since each three-month period (quarter) of the year roughly correlates with the four seasons, July is the first full month of summer in the northern climates. The days are long, the temperatures reasonably comfortable and many outdoor activities can be pursued.
 
     For those of us who plan gardens, this is the month when the fruits of our labor begin. For others, there is the joy of roadside stands and farmer's markets where fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables are abundant.
 
     July has an interesting history and was called Quintilis in the old Roman Calendar. That calendar had ten months beginning with Martius (March). Quintilis simply meant that it was the fifth month. Later (circa 8th or 7th centuries B.C.) two more months, January and February, were added. Julius Caesar, in 46 B.C. reformed the Roman Calendar, establishing the Julian Calendar. He changed the calendar so that the year began with January rather than March. One other change was made. Since he was born in the fifth month of the Roman Calendar, the Quintilis was no longer the fifth month, the name was changed to Julius (July) in his honor.