Over the last few weeks, we’ve changed the way we live. Our circles have become smaller, and our lives shrunken to include only essential ingredients. For most of us, there is an attendant slowness, a change of pace, a different sensation of the passage of time. Bananas seem to ripen quickly, spring buds unfold before our watching eyes, and the dog food depletes in a steady, predictable ebb. There is simplicity and purity to this new way of life; our thoughts and deeds are more carefully examined, our friendships and family bonds are valued and better understood in this light.

Our choices are limited, both for our own good, and the good of others, and we are deciding anew what is necessary. The isolation has a solipsistic effect, in which I am the only reality, but it also weaves us deeper into society. The most effective cure for nail biting involves this calculus: a seemingly harmless habit endangers your entire family. Perhaps because my waking life has been so limited, I’m remembering more of my dreams. And, though I’m fortunate enough to be working a regular schedule, there is a feeling of suspension and repetition, and the days of the week are not so evident as they were when we all had weekends, plans, and appointments.

Oakland Yard is no longer the community junction it once was, but we have strong memories of a colorful past, and we have real hopes for a brighter future, and, while we dearly miss your presence, we do enjoy reading your requests for refreshment, hearing your voices on the line, and to trying to figure out who you are when you show up at our door with freshly shaven heads and ever so stylish face masks. OAKLAND YARD remains open, accepting ONLINE ORDERS and offering curbside pick up, Tuesday through Saturday from 12-5. Please note, we can only guarantee same-day orders if we receive them before 4pm, and you can call in orders as well, but our phone capacity is limited, so better to get yourself in the queue by visiting our website and registering your request.

Stay strong, remember what’s important, and keep a hold on your dreams.

Cheers,

Max