Rody on the Work Site

Several years ago solar electric systems connected to the grid (excess energy flows back onto the utility grid to be used by other consumers – yes, Auntie Mae the meter does spin backward) were almost unheard of. Fast forward to the future, er, I mean today. Solar electric systems have gone practically mainstream.  I mean, if mainstream includes hardware stores like Lowe, retailers of ______ like Target and Wineries, for example.  Wineries ? are held up here because we just had the challenging and ultimately rewarding experience of having a part in the installation of a monumental system--by today’s standards and GIGANTIC by the standards of the first people to toss their Volkswagen batteries, candles and Patchouli oil out for a single solar panel.

Bathing in Solar Power

This system, done in Sonoma County, consisted of 4032 solar panels (think of several football fields covered by them) and is rated at about 700,000 Watts of power.  That’s a lot of electrons folks and nary a plume of fossil fuel exhaust or radioactive particle in sight.  While this is all quite exciting Of course, the winery made an economic choice and decided that this technology is a good long term investment, the wine would still have been made with or without the solar panels.  Still, that’s pretty big stuff. But, you ask yourself (or I just tell you anyway) what if I (meaning you) didn’t have utility power?  Would the wine still get made?  Just so you know, I’m now using wine as an allegory for life’s important stuff - Could’ve used music but it wouldn’t have meshed as well.  On with the show! 

At Rancho Secret Spot Baja, for example, I see the future growth of solar power systems where the shimmering arrays of photovoltaic panels provide clean, quiet and efficient power for whatever may be desired.  At some point I see separate additional arrays springing up to bring light, music and, of course, wine for others who have followed the pull and tug of a life less ordinary to the shores of the Sea of Cortez.  These arrays can actually grow organically to share with each node the power that flows from the sun into a veritable micro-grid quite unlike the burning, spewing, belching mega-grid left far behind! Just as it should be!

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Tonka

I’m going to take a moment to acknowledge just one iota of the immeasurable recognition, which is his due. March 2^nd, my birthday, my constant companion and best friend for nearly ten years...lost his life.  He died in my arms and I’ll miss him forever.  It’s been said, "Let me be half the man my dog thinks I am," and it’s never been truer.  Absolute, complete and unconditional devotion, loyalty and forgiveness.   Tonka had grown into an amazing spirit.  He came into my life just when I needed him and shared the most important events and times in my life from then on.  A pat on the head, rub on the belly, a kind word or just to be by my side was all he needed to be content.  How many humans can claim the ability to forgive without reservation and find such fulfillment in the simplest of pleasures?  We could all learn a lot. Tonka had an amazing ability to connect with certain people.  Through direct eye contact, placing his paw on your leg, or with his or with his amazing mood indicator ears he communicated in a unique and altogether special way. 

Although he’s left, maybe to play fetch with shooting stars, I will always wish that he was still with me, in my truck, waiting in the driveway at our ranch, or pushing the door open with his nose to get in.  Tonka will always be a member of my family and I’ll have him in my heart until the end. Tonka I love you - Thanks for being with me while you could.

Rody