I'm not always the most punctual person, though I'd like to think I've become better about it this, finally. Maybe I just attend fewer meetings or social gatherings. Or maybe I've slowly surrounded myself with those who are less punctual than I am. I remember interviewing for my first real job at an elementary school, just out of college. A middle school teacher there had fallen ill and they needed a substitute for a couple weeks. It was exactly this time of year, on a Monday early November. I know this because the clocks were set back that Sunday night, and even though an entire day had passed, I had not adjusted the bedside clock, nor the clock in the family car. At 22, I didn't own a car (I would purchase my brother's Oldsmobile wagon the following week) and the irony of being dropped off at school by my mother was not lost on her, and did not help to swell any particular feeling of confidence going in to meet the principal.

Pulling up to the school, my mom had a brief laugh about me being an hour early. With no wish to be later identified as the strange man who lingers in school parking lots with his mom, I elected for a quick coffee at a college café nearby called Sexy Sadie's. I eventually walked back over to the school's main office, nearly 25 minutes early. My punctuality must have impressed as I got the job. It was probably the only time for the next 9 years I was early.


Allow me to be a bit early this morning. I am after all early for things that truly matter. Movie previews. Concerts. Weddings. You matter to us most of all. Thanksgiving is a few weeks away but I wanted to say thank you and express my utmost gratitude, even if it's way too early for such things. OAKLAND YARD is yours and we are here for you. We are grateful to serve you and to see your faces returning each day and each week. We are honored to be a part of your lives and your celebrations. Your new jobs. Your weddings. Your movie nights. We are so lucky to have such wonderful neighbors and to be a part of this amazing community. Joy is never punctual. I know it's early, but thank you thank you thank you.

This SATURDAY, November 9th, OAKLAND YARD turns 3!!! Please come and be a part of the celebration! We want all of our favorite people around us. There will be music and food and oysters and bubbles, raffles and prizes, and early holiday vibes. There will also be another fantastic collection of artists, curators, builders, and culinary delights... And lots and lots of wine! The 3 Year Anniversary Celebration and Artisan Flea Market event is FREE! So spread the good word! Bring all your favorite people too! Bring your moms. Bring your school principal. OKKON Japanese street food will be here! B.A.B.S. BBQ too! Vendors and artists include Gold & Rust Finds, Slant Vintage, Charlotte Stone Shoes, Flower & Forage, Westward Succulents, Pablo Cristi, Megan Godino (artworks/prints) Lucas Ahlstrand, Lauren Tedeschi Ceramics, and Becca Compton Jewelry. There will be a beer and wine garden outback and the wine bar open inside too. There's just enough room for all this joy.

TONIGHT: Thursday Night Flights! California Whites and Portuguese Reds. Flights $12 from 4-8pm and wines by the glass until 9pm.

SATURDAY November 9th: THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY and ARTISAN MARKET from 12-5pm (shop and inside bar will stay open until 9pm as always:)

SUNDAY Sparking Flights... Lets's keep the celebration going! Natural Italian Bubbles - Pet Nats and new arrivals. Flights from 2-6pm and wine by the glass until 8pm.


See you all there (you too, mom)

Daniel