With nearly everything about this topsy-turvy year keeping us on our toes, it sure is nice to have something familiar to look forward to.

Like how October so reliably turns into November.

Can't remember the last time we've felt so excited about this.

And this past October was a big one - Pearl's personal Tall Tree turned 82!! W.O.W.

Of course, we had festivities. And delicacies. Lots and lots of delicacies.

Pearl even agreed to share some of them with the rest of us....as any good "alpha" flock leader would do.

With so many of life's regularly scheduled big celebrations pretty much off the table this year, we've been partying hard with the small stuff.

Molted out a flight feather? Party! Grew in a new flight feather? Party! Molted out a tail feather? (All together now....)

PARTY!

Speaking of small stuff, Bruce got his first-ever skin flake, which his overprotective and always anxious rescue mommy spotted during one of our Instagram livestreams and proceeded to fuss over nonstop until it resolved, on its own, just as nature intended.

Oh - and this is really more like (um) big stuff - as of this month, Malti has gone a whole year without having to go on one single diet!

Don't get me wrong - she has put forth her best effort. But her large shell-less waitress has gotten better at portion control, not to mention staying strong in the face of some seriously relentless "cuteness."

This, of course, means that Grandma has had to bear the brunt of the begging. When we visit, Malti has taken to joining forces with her wild and woolly furred bestie, Flash Gordon, to tag-team our flock's personal Small Chef for treats.

Grandma, I have to say, is a really good sport about it all.

How is your fall shaping up? Have you seen something, anything, even an itsy bitsy thing, return to a bit of refreshing "normal?"

Hit reply and let us know, and if you like, please send pics of your cute flock. Pearl is especially requesting "ladybirds." Bruce would like "eligible single lady box turtles." Malti prefers pictures of your plate, especially if there is salmon or papaya on it.

And their mama just loves all of it - your smiling face and your sweet flock and any words you care to share about how your life is going and how you are doing through it all.

Sent to you, as always, with all of our love.