So here we are.

Together again.

Thank goodness.

In a world where - suddenly - nearly everything feels unfamiliar, uncomfortable, out of our control, we have this.

We have each other.

I won't lie. It's been challenging. Worrisome. Sleep-disturbing.

Being a homo sapiens during a pandemic is no joke.

But while one of our little flock has stressed and fretted, the other three family members have gotten on with business as usual.

Life as usual.

Our little round blue planet is still whirling its way around the big hot golden orb, and - I have to say it - seems unusually happy and alive this spring of all springs.

The plump ripe blackberries, the cheeping baby birds, the bright blue skies seem especially fresh and renewed and eager to welcome us as we head out onto the lawn each day to screech at hawks and scarf clover and scout for lady box turtles.

Speaking of renewal, the annual Big Spring Molt arrived right on schedule once again this year, and there are falling feathers everywhere. And I do mean e.v.e.ry.w.h.e.r.e.

In my coffee cup (and my wine glass...sob). On the counter tops and all over the floors. Inside the cabinets and covering the couch cushions.

The weirdest place I've ever found a certain someone's molted out downy grey and white feather? So glad you asked. Inside the freezer. Tied with - wait for it - on my toothbrush.

Speaking of spring, the official large shell-less gardening assistant is even now hard at work replanting Bruce and Malti's outdoor enclosures and shared outside play area.

Here, the trick is to find sufficient quantities of plants with three key qualities: cheap, sturdy, safe.

Unfortunately, the only reliable way to know for sure if a plant will pass muster is to bring it home for a test run. If a new green being survives the night, this either means it has the constitution of an ox or Malti simply hasn't noticed it yet.

We will see which of this spring's candidates still remain standing when fall rolls around later this year. Stay tuned.

Thinking of you all with so much gratitude and love. If you have a minute, hit reply to let us know how you and your flock are doing. Or drop us a comment over on the new blog series.

Speaking of which, Pearl, Malti, Bruce and their mama really hope you are enjoying that. :-)

We adore you, our extended flock family, and so appreciate being able to shelter in place virtually with you here and there and everywhere we are able to meet online.