There are so many of them that it’s sometimes hard for me to believe. I suppose it’s not surprising that I have an unusual number of them if they all have the same basic identity, life force, and purpose; the same style in which they shine. They are independent and action oriented, and because of their fire, they are spontaneous, enthusiastic, inspired, self-expressive, and intuitive. Born under the sun sign of the vernal equinox here in the Northern Hemisphere, they carry the intensity, warmth, and light of the changing spring. You guessed it: they are my Aries friends. But who knew there would be such multitudes?

There is Daniel, whom many of you know as the other face of Oakland Yard; kind-hearted and mischievous, quick witted and circumspect, sometimes to a fault. I would trust him with my life, but only when I’m sure he’s paying attention. And my good friend Matt, egoless, reliable and generous; with love and enthusiasm, he has been there for me over many years with bear hugs and listening ears. And there is Tea, the tender Texan; equal parts intellect and emotion, they always make me feel heard and seen, and they smoke some mean pork ribs. Chad is a joker with a heart of gold; he is sharp and resilient, and he fancifully skims the seeming surface while delving deeply to reveal life’s secrets. Lore is a lovable misanthrope, a wise man whose inner child is never far off; more comfortable among the animals and vines, but understanding of the value of true friendship. And dear Suzanne, the quiet observer, who sees from angles others never dreamt, deftly eliciting hidden humor and nuance with her singular combination of elegance and edge.

Lastly, and most significantly, there is Julia, my partner in life for whom I am most grateful. I could write volumes of her charms and quirks, the qualities that have made our life together truly easy living; the ram who’s lit the fire that has both driven and warmed me for the last twenty years. Perhaps they have little in common aside from the fact that their parents must have gotten cozy one day in early July, but they delight and sustain me like the springtime into which they were born. Here’s to our allies in Aries! And to all of our friends who give us the meaning and worth we need to grab life by the horns!

Come lift a glass with us at Oakland Yard this week to those who inspire you most.
TONIGHT - THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS: French Reds and Whites from the Languedoc, Bordeaux, Beaujolais, Burgundy, and the Rhone and Loire river valleys. Flights $15 from 5 to 9pm and wines by the glass from around the globe.

And this SATURDAY April 15th from 2 to 6pm: EASTERN EUROPEAN FLIGHTS with wines from the Republic of Georgia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Bosnia. Tasting flights $20 from 2 to 6pm and wines by the glass until 9pm.

In celebration,

Max