Friday night Florida lights

Last night my wife, our oldest son, our daughter and I took in Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, managed growths of native Florida, tropical and sub-tropical plants, and epiphytes. For Christmas, the place was lighted in holiday style.

The journey through leafy jungle plants and stands of bamboo was similar to walks I experienced 50-plus years ago, but this time much more safe. The previous walks I enjoyed as well, viewing plant types I had seen only in movies.

I remember a morning in armored cavalry assault vehicles (ACAVs), moving along a dirt road and coming upon a sight people would have paid money to see – off to the right front morning, mist rising from a narrow stream, drifting through large leaves of tropical plants. The mist would burn off as temperatures became warmer and then hot, but for a few minutes, the scene was of peaceful tranquility.

On parts of the walk through Selby Gardens, Sarasota Bay is visible, with thirty or so sail boats of various sizes anchored. I mentioned that the scene would be better if the long bridge were gone. “Oh, no,” my daughter said. “That’s the way I get to work.”

Progress. The world depends on it.