Good news. My wife is speaking to me again. After the haircut I gave our young daughter earlier this week. In my defense, my four year old pleaded to have her hair cut (to match her mom's new bob) then changed her mind 30 seconds in, which presented a particular challenge to safety and sanity. In the end, she got the "Scout" cut. Maybe every kid does at some point. I'm not sure if the cut is growing out or growing on us, or if we're simply giving in. But, as they say, it grows back.

I have no time to count the days for that, as I've already spent far too many minutes this morning counting all of the unmatched socks from the last few loads of laundry. Seventeen. Seventeen solitary socks. Absurd. God knows where their matches are. I'm sure if I crawl about I'll find one under a sofa or car seat, or perhaps one day soon I'll discover one stuck to the inside of a hoodie - or clogging a drain. Looking at the pile this morning, I have to catch myself. Often the impulse is there, when something is lacking or missing, to take out frustration with what is in our sight. But why shake my head at these lonely leftovers? Still in good form and a fine fit for little feet, ready to warm and cling, eager to be useful.

And so Ellery and little Simone are out the door, once again with four random socks, paying little mind to what is missing or mixed up. They laugh and roll with it. And I laugh too, when my wife sends a sweet text - and the i and o, get mixed up - switched as they might be by any of us on occasion, typing or texting or going about things too quickly. I live you, the text reads. And there's really no point to correct. The mismatch works and the message is received. And somehow much more anyway. I live you too.


OAKLAND YARD is OPEN and we are here for whatever pairings you need - or for any random solitary bottles you seek. However you want to roll, whatever brings you joy. Our tasting bar is open too - for wines by the glass everyday, now open until 9pm Friday & Saturday. Tacos Oscar is open next door tonight and all weekend for takeaway and dining on theor patio... You are welcome bring a bottle from here and pay a small corkage fee to enjoy there - or you can always bring tacos here to enjoy inside or out front with a glass of wine! And yes, for anyone in need... Marquee Salon is open next door too:)

Cheers,

Daniel