Before we opened shop, and around the time we started started writing you weekly letters, I shared a story about the time I severely dislocated both of my thumbs and sprained my wrists. Anyone who enjoys reading about foolish children suffering can click here to read that memory. Having already tested the strength of readers' patience, I refrained from telling the second chapter to that story. But the feelings that followed that injury are with me this morning.

I ended up with two cumbersome custom casts, and all of the self-confidence that one would imagine accompanying those accessories. I remember the doctor's assurance that I'll heal in no time, but might need mom's help for the bathroom .. and his deflating chuckle. The casts were small but ridiculous, the mock turtlenecks of casts - starting a few inches below my wrists and extending up one side to protect and cap off my thumbs. Like some strange village punishment for hitchhikers. In defiance of the doctor's cruel daydreams, I figured a manageable strategy to use the restroom unassisted, with the humble patience of a senior. 

The girls I yearned to impress and other neighborhood kids would drop in to visit, in the weeks that followed that summer. If not for me, then possibly for the pool the new house offered. I spent most the summer on the balcony above, with my casts dry and elevated. watching their cannonballs and games of Marco! Polo! below, occasionally waving them on, like some ancient uncle or a hapless lifeguard. The glory of summer visible and present, but distant, inaccessible.


Sidelined once again this season... summer continues, even if we can't enjoy its full warmth. But we remain here for you. The grays and gloom of the Bay skies might not call you poolside, but we have all the crisp, mineral whites and dry rosé, orange wines, and and light, fresh chillable reds for when the sun breaks and the moment feels right. And we have some fun new offerings too to brighten your days and mornings. Weekly Bouquets are now available from Flower & Forage! Orders accepted Friday-Wednesday for Thursday pickups of fresh flowers here at OAKLAND YARD. Also Lee Magner of Brown Bag Breads is offering weekly pick ups here too - fresh baked Oland Wheat loaves and Semolina Sesame with Rye. ORDER by THURSDAY at noon (yes, today - click here!) for Friday pick up.

And WE ARE OPEN for all wine and snack needs.. CURBSIDE PICK UP every day - we are NOW OPEN UNTIL 6pm! Thank you for all the orders and support, and for the warmth we can access. 

Much love,

Daniel