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Monday, April 14, 2025

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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.

‘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 also spent time every day in the fitness center trying our best to burn calories. (In spite of workouts each day we both gained five pounds in the two-week cruise.) I enjoyed the watercolor classes. I learned watercolors are long lasting as proved by primitive art discovered...

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...

A Great Lakes Odyssey — Part 2

Part 1 Reuniting with Grandfather’s ‘Good Ship Tobermory’ on its 100th birthday I never knew my grandfather, but family tales of him coming to America from Birmingham, England, with his parents in 1872 at...

A Great Lakes Odyssey — Part 1

Reuniting with Grandfather’s ‘Good Ship Tobermory’ on its 100th birthday URBANNA — I guess one might say it was like making a pilgrimage to Canterbury or Jerusalem. Or waking up as a child...