My younger brother and I have eerily similar voices. So much so that when we were teenagers, girlfriends would call our home landline and assume they were talking to their respective boyfriend, and we’d have to end the charade before things got mushy or too personal.
This late in life, I’m never surprised when someone meets us and (after the double-take of how much we look alike) their face lights up and 'holy shit... you even sound alike!' follows. But I am surprised to find certain phrases of his have rubbed off on me that now extend the similarities. One in particular resonated this past weekend in a major way. You see, when something is next-level wonderful, impossibly sweet... beauty in plain sight that’s too good to believe, Timothy will inevitably say to himself, aloud: Are you kidding me??
I can remember nearly a decade back, being with him in the Sierras away from his family for a few days, him shaking his head at a photo texted to him of his (then) two year old son. Proudly passing the phone around and then taking it back for another look. An uncontainable smile: Look at that face! Are you kidding me?? he says to the phone. Years later, I had my first kid and nearly the exact scene repeats. This time he's asking for the newest photos of my one year old daughter. Again the effusive reaction, the joyful incredulity, swiping through photos of her first steps: Are YOU kidding me? Are you KIDDING me?... I put my phone away, and we both cast again, silent for a few moments, still grinning big happy grins.
OAKLAND YARD celebrated seven years this weekend. Surrounded by friendly folks and family and familiar faces. And so many who have become like family here over these years, who know our unique voices, have seen our first photos, known us since our first steps. We are so grateful to still be connected to you all and to be part of such a vibrant community. Thank you to everyone who came out to be a part of the joy this weekend - and thanks to all of you who continue to support our shop and share this dream with us. At one point on Saturday I was on tiptoes (literally), my arms extended to take a photo of the crowd in the lot. Looking down at the photo and then up again at everyone around, a voice emerged, a familiar phrase (was it in my head or spoken out loud?): Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me??... I put my phone away, taking it all in. Silent for a few moments, still grinning a big happy grin.
TONIGHT - THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS FUNDRAISER: Tonight we're traveling the globe - red and white flights from all around the world. Special Fundraiser with 50% of proceeds from tonight's glasses and flights going to local Duck's Nest Preschool!
2022 Nortico Alvarinho
2021 Angelo Grillo Silicia
2020 M Chapoutier Marius Carte Postale Viognier
2022 Groundwork Counoise
2020 Château Laubarit Bordeaux Rouge
2021 Familia Bonfanti Malbec Joven
Tasting flights $20 from 5-9pm and wines by the glass until 9pm
SATURDAY: Special Holiday Flights Holiday...
We'll be pouring a curated selection, sampling delicious wines from our new Holiday Six Packs, including:
2021 Force Celeste Chenin Blanc
2021 Al Cantara Occhi di Ciummi Etna Bianco
2022 Birdhorse Wines Heliotrope Red
2022 Domaine de Sulauze Cochon VdF Rouge
Tasting flights $20 from 2-6pm and wines by the glass until 9pm
* Holiday and Seasonal Six Packs available in store and online* All delicious, dry and dynamic, food-friendly and crowd-pleasing - perfect for your holiday feast and gatherings. All wines in packs discounted 10%! We've got hundreds more here too... check out our turkey tags or ask our friendly staff to help you pick some out at any budget :)
Cheers,
Daniel