Shadow play

At various times of the year, we are treated to an intriguing image on the simple muslin curtain by the dining table. As the sun comes up, it casts a shimmering oval shape, reflecting off the surface of the water in the half-barrel fountain outside. The darker shadow is from the Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa) that sits on a shelf in the window. The view is best experienced in person rather than in a still photo since there is a lot of movement, mostly of the water.

This tranquil scene starts to get exciting if the cat pursues a mouse that is running up the curtain. Or when a red-tail hawk chases a dove into the window, adding a crimson hue to this otherwise monochrome scene. Things get really immersive when a 4.5 to 6.0 earthquake rattles the curtain and shakes dust bunnies and half-forgotten lizard bones from the logs overhead as you anxiously try to decide whether to watch the spectacle or duck under the table. Either way you’re going to need a change of undies.

Unless, of course, none of this happens.