I WAS OUT WANDERING AROUND OUR HILL TODAY and noticed how remarkable it is that last year's leaves from the pear tree have been mostly pushed off their branches and twigs by new growth and blossom. Last night's rain and wind loosened and scattered tiny petals from the pear blossoms. It seemed a kind of paradise to see the leaves on the grass under the pear trees dotted with tiny petals from the blossoms. New green leaves emerge in a few days. My shadow on the grass and leaves and petals reminds me that everything is temporary... and that's not a bad thing.

I have no idea what shrub it is that produces this flower.
I've been back from Mendocino for half-a-week already, but these pictures remind me of the magic of the place.
The little house out back and a little to the side of the bigger house is exquisitely beautiful, a house not to live in but to dream in.