A strange thing happened while driving. I was waiting at a red light by the park, north of Lake Merritt. Loud music distracted me. At first I thought it was some event setting up near the lake but quickly realized the sound was coming from the car that just pulled up next to me. One of my useless talents is being able to name a song within just a couple seconds of hearing the music. But I experienced a certain dissonance at that particular moment. I was almost ashamed at how long it took me to identify one of the more popular songs in the world (at least to anyone who has attended a wedding in this country in the past three decades). The song reverberating though the windows of everyone in the vicinity was “Love Shack” by the B-52‘s, playing at maximum volume in the car beside me.

A singular figure inside a Toyota Carolla, who definitely brought his juke box money, dancing and bouncing and smiling and singing along... a raw and genuine enthusiasm that would make Richard Simmons blush. Peppy, spastic movements testing the integrity of his seatbelt, one fist pumping in the air, the other hand on the wheel to keep him from floating off into space. Sheer exuberance, bordering on lunacy.

Wait, I should’ve led with this: It was 9 o’clock. In the morning. On a Monday. I was able to spot a driver in the other lane who also bore witness to this possession of joy. The universe timed it’s just so that we all communed precisely for the whole shack shimmy crescendo ("and everyone’s moving around and around and around and arooooouuunndd!!….") and at that very moment the light turned green and he zoomed off. Another driver across from me still shaking his head laughing. We both crept into the intersection gingerly, still taking it all in. Still hearing the song blasting up ahead. And in our heads now. Mouthing the words against our will... Funkylittleshack! FUN-KY little shack!….

I may never be that boisterous, but in my own way I'm feeling lots of joy this morning. This rain falling outside is thrilling, much needed and most welcome. My little one is deliriously excited to head to the local pumpkin patch later today. OAKLAND YARD turns 5 next month - and we're happily planning our 5 Year Anniversary Celebration - mark your calendars for Saturday, November 13th, from 12-5pm! We are now officially OPEN 7 Days - and HAPPY MONDAYS have returned! Bottle discounts and drink specials at the bar every Monday from 4-8pm, spread the good word. And, our last bit of good news... in addition to our current 'by the glass' menu, we will be offering themed tasting flights again starting next week, beginning with THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS on 10/28. We'll be pouring weekly Saturday Flights starting next week too - follow us on Instagram for details, or read more in Max's letter next week!

Happy Thursday,

Daniel