The house where I grew up is lovingly named the Bat Cave because my mother’s initials are BAT (Barbara Ann Tate). Even more appropriately, the name fits as certain rooms are windowless are dark due to add-ons oddly placed here and there whenever Daddy had a good crop.
The Bat Cave is a place of great adventure. Never-a-dull-moment adventure. At the mere smell of a distant rain shower, the electricity flickers twice then goes out. And speaking of rain… Rain leads to standing water in the back yard. Standing water results in toilet flushing problems… That’s all I’m gonna say about that.
Momma, my sister and I recently loaded up and drove from Dallas to the Bat Cave to take care of farm business. We did this even though bad weather was forecasted. Even though we knew better.
A little snow?
Ha.
We weren’t afraid of a little snow. Plus, caves are supposed to be cold, right?
Yes indeedy.
We didn’t factor in ice.
Before the most boring of all Super Bowl games ended, the Bat Cave was sealed inside an inch of glassy ice. Trees were quickly transformed into beautiful Chihuly-like artwork. Gale force winds snapped power lines. Telephone poles were sucked from the Mississippi County gumbo and lobbed into fields along the highway leading to the cave.
Fun! Just like old times, we had a bunkin’ party complete with friends from grade school. We slept piled together underneath hundred year old quilts. A night of giggling and reminiscing gave way to an arctic morning with no heat, no coffee, no showers…
Fortunately, folks take care of each other in the country, and our favorite farmer rigged up a duck pit heater in the kitchen and brought us strong black coffee. He’s a lifesaver that way.
Excitement faded as temperatures plunged and reality settled in. Thirteen electric poles were down within the two mile Bat Cave-to-Cottonwood Corner stretch. Thirteen…
Over the next few days, we became gypsies. During daylight hours, we camped out in the duck pit kitchen wearing multiple layers of clothing. I hung quilts in doorways to trap heat. Before nightfall we escaped to Memphis to the warmth of a hotel room. We turned our debacle into a semi-vacation by visiting the Peabody ducks, dining on Beale Street, and touring the greatness of Sun Studio. We even cheered our beloved Dallas Mavericks to victory over the Grizzlies with last minute, excellent seats. (Since the Grizzlies are my backup team, it was a double treat.)
Downtown Memphis w/ Mississippi River; Sun Studios; Peabody Ducks; Fed Ex Forum
After four days with no electricity, power has been restored to the cave, knock-on-wood. We are luxuriating in the warmth and enjoying all those things typically taken for granted like being able to wash dirty underwear and enjoy a cup of coffee…
But there is snow in the forecast tonight. The splendor could be short lived.
Grace Grits and Gardening
A huge thank you to all the folks who have worked around the clock in frigid weather to restore power to Mississippi County!
Musical Pairing:
My Starter Won’t Start, Justin Townes Earle
Talya,
What a great twist you put into the events of the past few days. Wish you could have enjoyed better whether during your few days here. But sure enjoy reading your blog daily. Thanks for letting the rest of the world know how greatness can be found from such Arkansas farm folks.
Thanks again,
Chip
Thanks Chip! Great to hear from you. Yes, there is always a silver lining. I always love coming home.
Ooh, and I thought I had it bad here when the kitchen in these coldest mornings registered 49 degrees. They say what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. What they don’t say is that it gives us LOTS of blogging material. Good job, as usual. Any time you/yours pass thru I-30, do a detour over to Couchwood. xoxo
Yes definitely blog material. Thanks Pat!
Love it! Still smiling thinking of all the crazy things that happened and were said! Glad y’all have power….for now. 🙂
Me too Donna:)
The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth! Well said !
love my daily dose of TTB….here in the arctic like Ozarks!
Thank you Sherri:) Stay warm!
Making more memories 🙂
Always:)
You give true meaning to the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” or something like that! Great blog as usual!
OK, I have to ask. What is a “duck pit heater,” and why on earth is it called that?
A duck pit is a steel compartment sunken in a rice field. Duck hunters sit inside it waiting for ducks to fly overhead. These heaters go inside the duck pit to keep the hunters warm. Make sense?
Aaaah. Yes, it does. I had never heard of such a thing. 🙂
Glad your power has been restored—now –you can enjoy using that new coffee pot.!!! Loved reading about your adventures!!!!
We love our new coffee pot. Thanks Ms. Graham!
YOu’re such a great writer. I do enjoy reading your blog!
Thank you Kim! Thanks for commenting and reading:)
with you guys attitude, I don’t see that you could ever have a crappy trip. great story!
Gotta look on the bright side:)
What an adventure you shared here, Talya! I, too, live in the south and know what it’s like to lose electricity in an ice storm or snow storm. Not pleasant whatsoever, but I love how your neighbor helped and you were able to seek alternate shelter when needed.
Thanks Martha. Yes, I could write a book on our Bat Cave adventures:)
Looks mighty cold over your way. It’s snowing here again. I hope yours, ours, everyone’s power stays on. Enjoyed reading about your frigid adventure.
I think it snowed all night. The ground looks white but it’s too early to tell:)) Brrrrr! But I do love the snow.
So much fun!
Our “donkey ride” was really a lot of fun. We always have fun at the Bat Cave with family and friends, no matter what. Lots of giggles and story telling. TheBAT (Back in Texas in the Bat Cave Loft with freezing rain in the forecast. Oh, well, on to more adventures.)
Always fun:))