Birthdays were relatively low-key events for me growing up. No giant class parties at pizza parlors or anything- my many siblings already provided enough of a party atmosphere daily. But on birthdays my folks allowed us to invite our best friend to join, either for a dinner out or for whatever we wanted to eat at home that night). My parents were good listeners and gave excellent gifts for the most part. Every so often one of my older siblings would get moved by the spirit of it all and gift me something of theirs, often something grand like their bicycle. One year wrapped in newspaper (what could it be?), another year just a simple, tidy bow and a "Now, look out the window!...".

I'd ride the bike for all of a week or so before they would reclaim it, and I'd be left pouting in the driveway watching Stephen cycle away with our neighbor, Todd. And from a holler to a whimper: "But you gave it to me!". And then I'd fall for it all over again the next year with another brother. David, ever persuasive: "Yes, I did give it to you. And it is yours. I'll just be riding it when I want. You understand".

Sitting down this morning, while my daughter (who will celebrate her first birthday next month) naps, I'm trying to remember all of my birthdays but can only recall a few. It's funny, but one of the clearest, and one of my favorite birthdays was a simple one. It was after many of the older brothers moved away. My birthday fell on a holiday that year, and everyone was back in town. We all went to the restaurant where my sister worked and were probably louder than she (and the neighboring tables) would have liked. But for some reason I can access the laughter of that particular afternoon. And I'm nearly certain a photo exists of me, somewhere, blowing out a candle, with nearly all of my favorite people around me. 

Next SATURDAY: OAKLAND YARD celebrates 2 years! We call it an Anniversary Party, I suppose, but it's more of a birthday I'd argue. And as it's my family's tradition... it's our birthday - and we get to invite our best friends to join the party. We want all of our favorite people around us. So come celebrate with us November 10th from 11-4pm! No take-backs. This is a party for you, for everyone. There will be music and food and osyters and bubbles, raffles and prizes, vendors and holiday vibes. And lots and lots of wine! The 2 Year Anniversary Celebration and Artisan Flea Market event is FREE! So spread the good word! Bring all your favorite people too. There's just enough room for all this joy.

TONIGHT: Thursday Night Flights! Sicilian Whites and all Spanish Mencia for the Red Flight. Flights $12 from 4-8pm and wines by the glass.

SATURDAY November 3rd: Vermouth and Apertivo Tasting. Special guest tasting with HAUS ALPENZ at OAKLAND YARD!. Tasting Flights from 3-6 and wines by the glass until 9pm.

SUNDAY November 4th: SYRAH! Tasting flights of satisfying and savory new arrivals. Flights from 2-6pm and wine by the glass until 8pm.


See you soon,

Daniel