by Marry Wakefield Buxton –
Here’s some happy news! School buses are out once again in Middlesex County picking up and delivering children. Thanks to hard working staff for getting them back in school.
There was nothing more discouraging in the last eight months than our children losing precious classroom instruction. Loss of daily social contact with peers is just as damaging to a child’s development (and emotional state) as loss of academics.While we are cheering that educators were able to open our schools again, let’s also cheer most businesses have found a way to stay open and maintain jobs in our area.
It has taken perseverance and ability to adjust quickly to our new COVID-19 world. I especially appreciate area restaurants that keep turning out good food for either sit-down meals or take-out under COVID-19 stress. Thank you all for hanging in there and staying open.
The devastatingly bad news for this county that struck like a bolt of lightning was the sudden closing of Eckhard’s Restaurant on Nov. 23. I know they have struggled with many problems including COVID-19, obtaining holiday staff, and the county meal tax, which was just one more burden on area restaurants. But how we loved dining at what I rated as Middlesex County’s “Five Star” restaurant. Donald, the chef, was top notch and we enjoyed many of his masterpiece dinners. My favorites were his fried flounder, sautéed crab cakes and baked salmon.
But his weekend roast beef au jus was considered his “piece de resistance.” Robi was always at the front door to greet and seat us at table number 2, and Dean, Missy and Becky were just a few of remembered excellent servers. The restaurant was always spectacular, whether decorated for Christmas holidays with a tree, wreath and lights, or with a crackling fire to enjoy during cold winter months, or decked with vases of fresh flowers in spring and summer — the tables always dressed in white linens and gentle candlelight — the entire visit was always a pleasure.
And for those who never tasted the famous Eckhard’s “Heidi,” you missed an indescribable treat. I hope one day Eckhard’s will reopen again as it is a gigantic loss to Middlesex County.
It’s been a beautiful fall leading soon into winter. I have gone outside every day, rain or shine, and walked or biked the streets of Urbanna. What a lovely town Urbanna is. Sometimes Kent Street has been covered in pine needles and leaves freshly fallen from the many trees that line our street. It’s a pleasure to walk through them and smell the splendid fragrance of autumn. Sometimes, however, with heavy rain, Kent Street looks like a muddy canal with huge puddles of water with nowhere to drain. Driveways are often flooded.We desperately need improved drainage on Kent Street and Rappahannock Avenue so, Urbanna Town Council, whenever you have a few extra dollars in the budget, (maybe before building a $1 million-plus heated pool with a year-round staff?) please consider some street improvements.
But don’t we have a great looking new town council? I expect continued good government in our town. Urbanna Mayor Diane Gravatt did a great job and I was impressed with what the last council was able to do for Urbanna and at the same time not raise property taxes. Good job! Thank you all for your hard work and dedication.
With social isolation since last March my social activities have slowed to nearly nothing. I learned how to find enjoyment working on home projects and appreciate a quieter life. I notice when I first walk into my office now and see on my calendar there is nothing to do I actually feel relieved I don’t have to rush off anywhere. My new lifestyle offers me a sense of freedom just to be me, enjoy my own company, and concentrate on what I want to do.
Yet this new trend worries me somewhat as happiness and fulfillment in life come from helping others and not falling into ourselves. Still, we must continually adjust to changing circumstances as nothing ever in life stays the same. No matter how challenging life becomes, there are always new rewards awaiting us we never imagined.
When our family reunion during Thanksgiving fell apart at the last minute because of COVID-19, we appreciated the Table at Wilton restaurant that provided us with a pick-up food order and really, staff, that apple pie you made for us was the best pie we have every tasted! Thank you.
Christmas nears and we are once again filled with hope for peace and good will toward men. In spite of one terrible year, we are so thankful for life’s blessings.
The time has come for me to sign off and say farewell to readers until next spring. I wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
© 2020
