The Goat and the Bench

I was having dinner in Ajijic, Mexico ( near Guadalajara ) at Billy Moon's. This villa serves as the artist's gallery, manufacturing center, and posh restaurant. Yard workers are constantly trimming hedges or watering plants. Meals are served in the open air patio which has long panels of curtain sheers blowing softly in the breeze. The asparagus soup had arrived steaming hot. I was cooling a spoonful when a goat in the courtyard jumped up on a bench and began eating the leaves of an over hanging tree. I chuckled at the sight and brought the spoon up to my mouth while the gardener chased the agile character down. Soon however, the goat worked his way back to the bench. I grabbed my camera and signaled for the gardener to let me have the shot before shoo-ing the goat off again. This was one of those times when you just hold your breath and move slowly, hoping the moment won't pass until you release the shutter. I clicked off a safety shot from the side just in case I didn't make it all the way around in front of the bench. I carefully set, focused and.....I got it!! This is one of my favorite photos from 1997.