Oysterville Sea Farms

    The interesting thing about living in Oysterville is that visitors often know more about what’s going on than we do.  Unlike those who are just passing through or who are here for an overnight or two, we confine our focus to home and hearth.  Our forays out and about, especially in crummy weather, are pretty much confined to the post office and back.
    So, it was with some surprise that we recently learned from a houseguest that it looked to be ‘business as usual’ at Dan’s Oysterville Sea Farms.  After all the recent hullabaloo with the County, we were sore amazed.
    “Really?” we asked.  “People eating bowls of clam chowder?  Wow!”
    Still, it took us a few weeks to go check it out for ourselves.  But yesterday was clear and sunny and, except for that pesky east wind, it was even warm by recent standards.  The perfect day to wander the village – always a good excuse for not getting at those garden weeds!
    And, sure enough!  As we approached the old cannery, we could see people out on the deck enjoying the sunshine and… eating!  I felt like I had been transported back in time to last July when our favorite lunchtime activity was lounging on Dan’s deck with friends and visitors, lingering over the view and meal.  Way to go, Dan!
    The parking lot was all but full and inside the restored building, now called “The Pantry,” there was a line-up at the counter.  And, sure-enough, there were Willabay products displayed on the shelves.  The tee shirts and sweatshirts were back.  Even copies of my books were out of storage and on display.  The atmosphere was convivial and several employees were busy filling orders.
    We didn’t see Dan, but his friend Mia greeted us warmly.  “What’s going on?” we asked.  “Is everything back to normal?”
    Apparently, the answer is “yes” from Dan and Mia’s viewpoint.  With no definitive reasons for the closure forthcoming and a sorely curtailed income, the decision was to reopen and wait for ‘the other shoe to drop.’
    “We decided to give the people what they want,” Mia told us.  Judging from the activity around us, ‘the people’ are happy.
    Later, as I tidied up a garden bed or two, I wondered what the mood might be in official circles.  No doubt it will become clear in time…  though, as usual, we may be the last to know.