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Winter Bat Cave

February 7, 2014 By Talya Tate Boerner

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.

Ice Storm

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.

Duck Pit Heater

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.)

Memphis

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

The Enchanted Forest

December 2, 2013 By Talya Tate Boerner

Goldsmiths, The Enchanted Forest, Memphis
When I was a child, the coolest place to shop was Goldsmith’s in downtown Memphis. Even the journey to Goldsmiths was fantastic—driving over the Mississippi River, parking in the multi-level garage, and walking through the tunnel underneath Front Street to get to ground level.
And the tunnel?  It was no ordinary tunnel. Inside the air was hypnotic—fresh, clean, divine—infused by a zillion shampoos and hair sprays lining the l-o-o-o-o-n-n-n-g passageway .
Just beyond the tunnel, a bakery greeted us. Oh mercy. Freshly baked cookies and cakes and gingerbread men filled trays displayed at eye level. The warm lights made the sugar sparkle.
Past the bakery, a world awaited with escalators and elevators and wide stairs and rails for swinging on (when we could get away with it). Unlike Belk’s in Osceola and Westbrook’s in Blytheville, There Was A Separate Floor For Each Department. 
Trips to Goldsmith’s were reserved for special occasions such as back-to-school shopping or when Momma needed a fancy dress. The most special occasion of all was Christmas. During Christmas, the Enchanted Forest magically appeared inside Goldsmiths.

The Enchanted Forest, Memphis

Magic I tell you…

A winter wonderland spread before us filled with forest animals and snowmen and twinkle lights and glittery snow delivered straight from the North Pole to the area behind men’s clothing. We strolled through slowly, savoring each second and every step, not wanting it to end. But kinda we did because deep in the frosty forest, a visit and picture with Santa awaited.

The real Santa. 

We waited in line as long as it took.We wore our best holiday outfits.
The Enchanted Forest was THE holiday event.
We never missed it.

Picture with Santa, The Enchanted Forest, Memphis
my sister and me with the real Santa

talya

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

“On these magic shores children at play are forever beaching their coracles. We too have been there; we can still hear the sound of the surf, though we shall land no more.” – J. M. Barrie, Peter Pan

P.S. The Enchanted Forest is now located at The Pink Palace Museum. Click HERE for the link. Has anyone been? I bet it’s different…

E is for Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!

April 5, 2013 By Talya Tate Boerner

Elvis's Graceland

I grew up just across the river from Memphis, a magical city with Goldsmith’s for back-to-school shopping, Libertyland for roller coaster riding, Mid-South Fair for corn dog eating, and Graceland for possible Elvis-sightings.

Elvis's Graceland

 

The King was sometimes spotted at the hallowed gates outside Graceland chatting with rabid fans and handing out diamond rings like sticks of Juicy Fruit. Elvis sightings always made the front page of The Commercial Appeal. 
When Elvis was sick, which was often, the Baptist Memorial Hospital became his hotel.  This too made the news which prompted a family road trip across the river to keep watch over Elvis. Momma circled the hospital around and around and around, as Nana, my sister and I strained our necks to see his window.

We prayed not for Elvis’ health, but to see him stroll across the parklike grounds. Elvis’ room was easy to spot. He was always on the top floor and his windows were completely covered with aluminum foil.  

The mere sight of his aluminum foil-covered window was thrilling.
A Memphis cop directed traffic on the street. We were not the only crazy fans.
Graceland
talya

Grace Grits and Gardening

Musical Pairing:

Paul Simon, Graceland

“Before Elvis there was nothing.” 
― John Lennon

p.s. According to the newspaper, the aluminum foil was to keep out sunlight. We know it was to keep fans (us) from scaling the building and peeping inside…

 

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Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (2022)

THE THIRD ACT OF THEO GRUENE (coming 2025)

Recent Ramblings:

  • Sunday Letter: May 4, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Rainy Day Edition
  • Spiderwort: my love-hate relationship
  • Sunday Letter: March 23, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: March 16, 2025

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