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by Mary Wakefield Buxton –
URBANNA — Then came the storm. Never make light of a storm that carries a name you can’t pronounce, let alone spell. What ever happened to names like “Jane” and “Betsy?” Oh well, “Isaias” was its name.
When this dude blew into town he knocked down a large tree in our driveway keeping us from going to work the next morning. Thanks to kind neighbors, Payne, Blankenship and Hayes, (sounds like a law firm) who lent a hand and even a chainsaw to cut and carry the remains away, we were soon able to move our cars. We have such wonderful neighbors!
There are two ways to rate a fallen tree, either as an “up” or “down.” A negative approach would be, “Darn, what bad luck, a tree fell in our driveway!”
A positive approach would be, “Good news! A tree fell in our driveway but it didn’t hit the house!” It’s challenging to stay positive but it’s good for your health.
Then came the political conventions. How I dislike politicians and their party dogma. Have you noticed the two major parties represent the extremes of their followers rather than the moderates? Whatever happened to our traditions of loyal opposition and compromise? They put allegiance to their party and grabbing power before the good of the nation. Partisanship divides the nation when we should be one united family, all on the same team, all working hard for the benefit of this great country.
Both parties have nominated grossly imperfect candidates for president. Pick your poison.
I’m a tolerant soul. Call me old-fashioned but I believe whoever we end up electing, we should support that person. I have been saddened by the constant attacks on Trump these last four years, which has weakened our country. He’s our president until we elect someone else.
But perhaps we aren’t meant to “like” our presidents? (I have “liked” very few!) Yet if our republic is to continue, we must support our presidents whether we “like” them or not. Otherwise, anarchy and utter chaos.
The last day of August my husband and I celebrated our 57th wedding anniversary at Eckhard’s Restaurant in Topping. I’m so happy the restaurant had reopened so that we could enjoy its lavish attention, service, ambiance and food from our county’s number one gourmet restaurant. Thanks to Robbie, Don and entire staff for staying open during this difficult time and taking care of their customers. You made our night special.
Labor Day weekend was a splendid end to summer. The weather changed overnight from hot, humid misery to cool, brisk, autumnal weather. As usual, the Richmonders swept into Urbanna to help the town celebrate the last big weekend of summer. Neighbors Kevin and Megan Jones sponsored an out- door concert on their Kent Street dock with many friends coming by boat or just stopping by to enjoy the celebration. Great music was provided by the “Spotsmen,” who played nonstop for hours and it was an enjoyable and safe celebration to bid the summer farewell.
On Labor Day the flag festooned, red, white and blue ballooned “Urbanna golf cart brigade” drove up and down the streets playing patriotic music, honking their horns, and waving. The sight of such a happy display at the summer’s end gave me heart and I stood on the front porch and waved to all. The next day the political signs popped up in many yards all around Urbanna like mushrooms announcing the coming election and the official end to summer.
Just like life, summewr was filled with good and bad or some sugar and also some vinegar. In spite of the problems we face in life on a day-to-day basis, it’s good to remember that there are many others who have faced even worse circumstances. Somehow they found strength to function and stay positive and so can we.
Father used to tell me many years ago growing up in Ohio that trouble builds character. We certainly have built a lot of character this summer.
The trick for happiness one finally grows to understand is not what others do for you, but to develop the maturity and wisdom to be appreciative of every day of life — no matter what happens. Dear readers, it’s good to be back!
© 2020
