No, internet research says this is not the same type of flower that produces the tea a lot of people are familiar with. The liquid libation version is very specific (Latin name: "Hibiscus Sabdariffa") and is a different part of the overall product we are able to drink or bake with. It is a shrub (not a bush, apparently) that "produces white flowers with dark red calyces at their base. These calyces are harvested and dried to be used in many applications such as food coloring, beauty products and most popularly Hibiscus tea." (this last quote is from the info page for Anthony's Organic Hibiscus Flowers on Amazon).
I never put two and two together. I know we have hibiscus almost everywhere down here, but I didn't realize the tea I've had was another part of that specific genus. I guess you learn something new every day.
Last night I ended up walking to the gym and walking home because there was a party going on at the clubhouse so the parking lot was packed. As it was after dark when I finished my workout, I was able to get some photos of the Christmas lights in the community.
The unfortunate part is I couldn't stop and gawk at everything because there are some neighbors who love to assume anyone outside taking pictures of houses are doing illegal activities, no matter if you live there and want a snapshot of the pretties.
Therefore, I needed to be quick and move on in order to not be stopped and asked for identification and possibly arrested. Or have my own picture taken and put on the community Facebook pages with shaming / damning comments (which a lot of the busybodies tend to do, to start trouble and arguments online... because they have nothing else to do with their lives. I'm not a security risk; I shouldn't feel that way).
I've tried to edit out any license plates and building numbers. Otherwise WYSIWYG.
There were plenty of outdoor Christmas lights strung on palm trees and various bushes, as well as what's become the new driveway spotlights and garage projectors. Every year, it seems that more and more people are buying inflatables. Everyone seems to be trying to one up each other. It's the weirdest thing - who are they trying to impress???
I just know I still hate the lights on the palm trees. It's not Christmas with out snow and cold. The lit trees down here seem like a heresy and ridiculous. Evergreen trees, spruce, pine forest... that's Christmas. Not half naked, thin Arecaceae. Screw that noise and I'm not even religious / a person who celebrates Christmas! The season isn't the same down here. Winter is not winter while being in Florida. I've said that since I moved here. It's just fecking weird.
But my mother loves this place and we will have to fully drive through the community one night so she can fully see everything. The pictures don't do the houses justice, for as much as I'm complaining right now.
People are creative and want to show off. I give them that. There's a reason Ed (next door) one the house decorating contest for Halloween. The humans here love this shit. I'll continue to have squirrel moments driving by and marvel how bright some of the LEDs are, or wonder what the owner's were thinking when they sprayed out feet upon feet of a Technicolor rope onto their entire property and nothing looks cohesive. Then I'll get into my house, climb into my dark bed and go to sleep, only to dream of things unresolved and over the top.
Until I can possibly sort out my differences, take care of yourselves and don't stare too heavily into the light.
Cheers;
