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.
