“I had a dream about garbage bags and nutcrackers,” Greg Rogers told me yesterday.  It was one of those humorous, semi-sarcastic, throw-away sorts of remarks that I’m learning are typical of our newest Oysterville neighbor.

He was referring to his first-ever display in the windows of the Oysterville Store.  Against a backdrop of dusky crimson velvet drapes (how did he get a perfect match for the siding on the building?), a dozen nutcrackers stand proudly on a ‘snowy’ terrain.  It’s the snow that accounts for the garbage bags – a fact that didn’t fully register until Greg popped his head out the door and made his zany comment.

The largest nutcracker was actually made by Greg’s father.  The rest of them once belonged to long-time Peninsula residents Rex and Harris.  The colorful nutcrackers are surrounded by stylized white (wooden?  cardboard?) trees, also the work of the senior Mr. Rogers.  Altogether, a charming holiday addition to Oysterville!

“My father went to art school in California.  It’s where he and my mom met,” Greg said.

Maybe that partially explains Greg’s own eye for design and his choice of occupations.  He is a furniture designer and intends to make part of the old Oysterville Store his studio.  Oh, did I mention that he is the new owner of the Oysterville Store and Post Office building and of the house next door?

Much to the relief of neighbors and postal patrons, Greg will continue the traditional lease arrangement with the U.S. Postal Service, and he intends to reopen the store eventually.  I’m not clear on what he will be offering.  I’ve heard him say “good wines” and “designer brews” and “cards and books by locals”… but it’s still a work in progress.  However it comes together, it will have a flair – of that I’m sure.  Greg is just that kind of guy!

And, I might add, the new Mr. Rogers is a welcome addition to our neighborhood!