One Woman's Opinion
Welcome to “One Woman’s Opinion,” a long term feature of the Southside Sentinel, written by Urbanna resident Mary Wakefield Buxton. Traditionally a humorist, Mary has written a column on all subjects and sometimes in very serious vein. Along with writing a column for the Sentinel since 1984, she is also author of 14 books about life and love in Tidewater, Virginia. Click here for available books.
Cruising columnist ponders the what, where, how and why of one’s existence
Another important question while on vacation: Are we having any fun? Good question. Our cruise continued. We had ended our five-island itinerary and begun the long steam back to Miami.
I was ready to go home. Meanwhile I found a book in the library titled “Cosmic Queries,” by Neil deGrasse Tyson and I was more than happy to curl up on our balcony in the peace and quiet of the ship and just read.
The wind had died completely as if...
Cabin fever at sea leaves one thinking of going home
By now we were on our second week of our cruise. I recommend just one week of a cruise.
We were tired. Eating too much rich food, drinking too much wine, exposure to too...
‘Classical music played by string quartet at sea best of cruise’
When we weren’t in port exploring the islands there were many shipside activities to enjoy besides lolling at the pool. I attended watercolor classes and Chip signed up for computer and iPhone lessons.
We...
Steaming south to St. Barthelemy Island in the West Indies
Our Caribbean cruise to the West Indies was our first experience on the Oceania Cruise line and its new ship “Vista.” The ship was big, shimmering white and built to provide a luxury...
‘Day of rest needed before cruise, after Dulles-Miami flight’
Miami Airport was as big and difficult to traverse for two octogenarians as Dulles. But after the long hike to baggage to retrieve luggage we were delighted to see a man holding up...
‘Travels with Mary, how much must we suffer on vacation?’
I hate to travel. General Sherman said, “War is hell,” but I say, “Travel is hell.”
The problem in my 62-year marriage to a wonderful husband is simply that he loves to travel. Why...
A Great Lakes Odyssey — Part 6
Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3 • Part 4 • Part 5
Reuniting with Grandfather’s ‘Good Ship Tobermory’ on its 100th birthday
Walking through the “freighter museum” at Sault Historic Sites in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.,...
A Great Lakes Odyssey — Part 5
Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3 • Part 4
Reuniting with Grandfather’s ‘Good Ship Tobermory’ on its 100th birthday
Dennis Dougherty of Sault Ste Marie, Mich., spent many years fondly looking out at the “Champion,” (F.W. Wakefield’s...
A Great Lakes Odyssey — Part 4
Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3
Reuniting with Grandfather’s ‘Good Ship Tobermory’ on its 100th birthday
We had made it as far as Lansing, Mich., by air and now needed to travel by car...
A Great Lakes Odyssey — Part 3
Part 1 • Part 2
Reuniting with Grandfather’s beloved ‘Tobermory II’ ship on its 100th birthday
My grandfather, F.W. Wakefield, may have built an iron ship to last 100 years, but he did not...
