I'm originally an east coast kid. 

Alternative power sources like wind and solar exist on the east coast of the US, but are less frequently visible than here in California, at least that's true where I lived in Connecticut. I drove out to Palm Springs recently to visit a friend. Heading east on I-10 towards Palm Springs, you drive past the San Gorgonio Wind Pass Farm. My photographer instincts perk up every time I see wind turbines, because they are so mesmerizing and out of the ordinary to me. Also, I've never photographed them. I've made a habit of keeping a camera in the car every time I drive, but this morning, in particular I packed heavy, the D800E. I did not know if I'd hike or see anything photogenic, but in the words of my former Chili's manager, Art Decker, "it's always better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it." He said that, referring to ordering food for a restaurant, but it's a pretty good piece of life advice. Have it, instead of needing it. 

On the way into Palm Springs, I was in awe of the turbines, and kept looking for side roads that may later give me a vantage point to photograph them. After a great tea and lunch with my friend, I took the time to pull over and snap a few shots of the Wind Farm. I'm no where near satisfied. I definitely want to capture more of these in the future, but here are a few from the afternoon: 

The extended story...

The friend I drove out to visit was actually my neighbor from many years ago. I was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, but our family jumped around a bit in the following years. We moved down to Marietta, GA for two years, and then to Arlington, VA. Between the years of 1987 and 1991, Arlington was home. It's the first house I can remember, the first street, neighborhood, school... All those nostalgic feelings of "home" were created for me in Arlington. Across the street we had wonderful neighbors. They were a young couple named, "Michael and Linda." They went on to have two daughters and have since been a beautiful family. We moved away from Arlington in February of 1991, but the bond between our families always remained. We have always been fond of the time we shared together on N. Jackson St. 

I have not seen them since 1991, but hey, that's life right? Things change. 

Many years ago, when social media became more and more popular and seemingly a part of everyday life, I found my old neighbors and connected with them on Facebook and Instagram. Michael recently posted a photograph from Joshua Tree National Park in Twentynine Palms, CA. I liked the image, but then realized how close to LA he was. Instinct told me to check his recent posts, and wouldn't you know it, he was in Los Angeles the days prior. How could I have missed this? Faith has taught me that everything happens for a reason. I sent Michael a message, and his stay in LA was over, but he was in Palm Springs for a day or so. He somewhat jokingly suggested that I come out to Palm Springs. I thought about it, but  only briefly. It was a no-brainer. Life's short. I've learned that lesson. If you have the good fortune of being blessed with good friends, then take the time to spend time with them. What's a 90 minute drive to reconnect with a good neighbor that you haven't seen in 27 years? Nothing, piece of cake. 

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