Unable to "get out" to the garden store this Spring, I ordered this hibiscus in May over the Internet. Instead of a lush, filled out plant, I got a 18-inch twig with no branches. That was in the Online description; so, I got what I paid $32 for. The description also said it would be 6 to 8 months until first blooming; which would mean next November to January at the earliest. But it's now only June & I'm so happy to get this first flower.

*********************************************************

"Award winner exotic hibiscus 'Rags to Riches' is a super bloomer! It is constantly covered with multiple 6-8" bright red singles with a red eye, fuchsia halo, and yellow sparks on each petal. The flowers develop more yellow sparks in summer heat. 'Rags to Riches' is the offspring of two tried and true hibiscus parents, 'Saffron' and 'Cranberry Muffin.' The bush is upright, medium sized, and a great bloomer! Released from HVH in 2014. Hybridizer: C. Black"

*********************************************************
Coronavirus News:
"EU reopens its borders -- but not to Americans".
Knowing how bad the COVID-19 situation is in the US, I can well understand that.

"More than 48,000 coronavirus cases were announced across the country and eight states announced single-day highs."

"Coronavirus task force member Dr. Anthony Fauci issued a stark warning on Tuesday to lawmakers on Capitol Hill, telling them he wouldn't be surprised if the US sees new cases of coronavirus rising to a level of 100,000 a day."

"China researchers discover new swine flu with 'pandemic potential'"
I remember last December when there was the first vague news report of a deadly novel virus circulating in China. Because I was getting ready to travel again, that news got my attention as something to "watch". To all of our shock, that virus spread out of control in China and soon quickly turned into a world pandemic called COVID-19. We certainly don't now need a second pandemic on top of the runaway situation that the world is currently fighting!!!

"Donald Trump has nothing to say and no answers to mitigate a calamity unfolding on his watch that he seems resolved to ignore." Instead, he "will travel to Mt. Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, on Friday for an early Fourth of July fireworks celebration. The event will gather thousands together during a global pandemic with no social distancing or masks required."
*********************************************************

Despite all that is happening in the outside world,
life at home in social isolation is calm and "safe".

Another of my new hibiscus starter plants (that wasn't supposed to bloom for another 4 months - or more) produced its very first flower a couple of days ago. It now has 4 more buds. One of those buds was my photo for yesterday. I am now awaiting to see if the other flowers on the new hibiscus will look like the one above or be marked a bit differently. "Excitement" in 2020 now has a totally different meaning than what it was a year ago; back when I was "free" and a world adventurer.

"Good type" excitement, during this new era, is as simple as appreciating little things in everyday life. I am really looking forward to seeing more flowers on this plant.