by Mary Wakefield Buxton –
URBANNA —
I hope I’m done with masks. After over a miserable year in isolation and properly masked whenever I ventured out, I have had enough. I received both vaccines in March and encourage everyone to do the same. I hope we never have a repeat of this hideous experience.
I hated wearing masks (but, of course, I know we had to wear them). It felt so un-American, as if we had all been muzzled by some horrible tyrant. One could almost imagine we had been taken over by a totalitarian government that commanded every detail of our lives. Let’s hope masks never return to the Land of the Free.
My first “unmasked” event was with the courageous members of the Urbanna Yacht Club. It’s a club of rugged sailors and I should have known it would throw the first “unmasked” party.
We met in April in pouring rain under tents in a member’s home and enjoyed tasty box dinners from “Something Different” and lots of conversation as we dreamed of the warm boating days to come. The Rev. Aaron Wells gave our boats the annual blessing of the fleet. He’s a new minister in the county and meets his congregation at the Cryer Center in Harmony Village.
My “Good Citizen Award” in Urbanna this year goes to Marnie and Sean, who own the big white home on the river at the end of Rappahannock Avenue. They kindly removed evergreen trees that prevented everyone from seeing the river. Now when we drive down Rappahannock — I hope slowly because there are many children, bikes, dogs, cats, (and octogenarians) walking on the road because there are no sidewalks — we can see the gorgeous blue river beyond. Thank you for this good deed to Urbanna!
Then the Baptists. I am always grateful for their presence in town. I love the chimes that ring morning, noon and 5 p.m. each evening but their free community pick-up dinners throughout this last difficult year were really an act of inspiration. They even threw an ice cream social in May to cheer up the community.
The Blankenships have a new dog — a cutie, half poodle and half golden retriever (called a golden doodle) by the name of “Zilly.” When Pam holds her, Zilly will climb up on her shoulder just like a monkey! Cutest pup I have seen in a while! I’m going to get a kiss from Zilly one day but I have to be patient as she suspects I’m the sort that snatches puppies and plants kisses on the tops of their adorable heads.
Urbanna planned a special Saturday before Memorial Day, “May Daze,” but it was canceled because of rain. I was delighted that the hearty “golf cart brigade” kept to their morning parade schedule anyway. Hurrah for them!
I went outside to wave at them as they tooted by in the rain — babies, dogs, such happy people and with lots of American flags. What spirit — not dampened a bit by the bad weather or the official cancelation.
I like seeing the Methodists gathered outside for their Sunday service as I do my Sunday walk with Dandy. We stop and bow our heads in prayer when the service calls for it.
One Sunday I heard Rev. Johnson say that Jesus did not practice “social distancing.” Indeed He did not. I reflected over this thought for the remainder of my walk and decided self-isolation might really be a selfish act. It’s a blessing so many Americans did not self-isolate but showed up at work to care for the rest of us.
I enjoyed participating in the art and literature festival the first weekend in June at Hewick Plantation. Writers and poets were included in the gathering this year for the first time and it was lots of fun. We read excerpts from our works and sold some books. It was good to be included. Thank you.
We’ve had sadness too; the loss of Emily Chowning in May was a great loss for all of Middlesex County. What a splendid person she was and a long time community supporter. I grieve at the continued loss of our grand “old guard.”
Then, the death of Urbanna Mayor Diane Gravatt, whom I admired greatly. She served the town quietly and always with lady-like reserve. The family opened her restored “Lansdowne” to the public, her gift to the town, in her honor.
Another great loss to Urbanna and the entire county was Jimmie Pitts who died just last week. Jimmie represented “the South” for me. Over the years he shared many “one man’s opinions” with me. We were often on different sides of issues but I listened carefully to his ideas and valued everything he told me. I have learned over the years of writing opinion that no one side holds “the truth.” It’s best to keep an open mind and be willing to grow and broaden opinions when necessary. That approach was a special gift Jimmie gave to me.
Lastly, the loss of another golden retriever in town, the beautiful “Belle” who lived on the corner of Cottage Row (Taylor Avenue) and Cross Street. She, and fellow goldens “Lincoln” and “Max” always came over to greet me on my daily walk. I miss her.
Well, as Father always said, we “carry on!” in spite of the many ups and downs in life. Every day I give thanks I live in the Town of Urbanna with the kindest and friendliest people on Earth. Looking forward to a great summer and returning to the Sentinel in September.
Stay well.
© 2021.
(Editor’s note: Mary Wakefield Buxton takes June, July and August off from regularly writing her weekly column for the Sentinel — though she may still turn in a column from time to time over the summer. She bids everyone a great summer and will return after Labor Day.)
