Just got word that one of Memphis’s nicest guys, Thomas Boggs, died this morning. At 63, Thomas had done more living than most of us ever will, from his early rocker days with the Box Tops to his restaurant dynasty, which now includes the seven Huey’s locations, as well as partnerships in Folk’s Folly, Tsunami and the Half Shell. But the thing I’ll remember best about Thomas is how friendly and welcoming he was to a newbie Memphian back in the early 1990s, always willing to tell me who was connected to whom, how to reach them, and later, ready with a wave and a smile for my son whenever he saw us. I also admire him for sharing the wealth with his daughters, pictured here with him at Huey’s in a 2006 photo — (from left) Ashley Williams, Samantha Dean, and Lauren McHugh.

Godspeed, Thomas. We’ll miss you like hell.

Seems like that’s really the question in the flap about what should happen to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church archives and administration building at the corner of Union and Rembert. Chick-fil-A bought it in February, and now looks to be getting ready to bulldoze it and build a new restaurant. In fact, I got an urgent E-mail from Memphis Heritage this morning saying that the fast food company has applied for a demolition permit from Code Enforcement, without even meeting with representatives of Memphis Heritage, which seems pretty low to me. Though in The CA story I’ve linked above, the commercial real estate broker is quoted as saying they couldn’t sell this old, neglected building any other way, and wouldn’t it be better to have something there that was adding to the tax rolls?

Lots of things get me down about Memphis, even when the azaleas are blooming and the Redbirds are at AutoZone. But the idea that we can’t figure out how to save even some of the old buildings on our main streets is beyond depressing. As is yet another fast food restaurant on Union. To tell Chick-fil-A what you think of their plans, call 404.765.8000 TODAY.

My favorite season has always been Fall. (Remember that book Color Me Beautiful? I was totally a FALL.) But since I moved to Memphis back in the mid-80s, Spring sure is giving Fall a run for its money.

Memphis has beautiful Springs. Wow. The daffodils alone are enough to make even the most cynical of us stop and take notice. I love that house on North Parkway, right before you get to the Watson Street overpass, with daffodils flanking the long walkway from the street to the front door.

Dogwoods so soft and delicate. Azalea bushes such vibrant shades of pink you’d swear they were plugged in somewhere. Even the crepe myrtles, which tend to drive me crazy, snowing their tiny petals everywhere, add so much color to the landscape.

If you didn’t know it already, the Memphis Botanic Gardens over by Oak Court Mall has a gorgeous display of CHERRY BLOSSOMS this time of year. I know – you thought they were only in the nation’s capital, right? But Cherry Road is abounding in the soft signs of spring. I personally think we should organize a parade.

photo courtesy Lovely LAK flickr photostream

My heart hurts this morning, and not because it turns out that free throws really matter. What I’m really sad about is that these kids, these Tiger basketball players, might think they’ve disappointed us. What they — and their wild-man coach, John Calipari — have done for this city in just a few short months is nothing less than remarkable. EVERYONE is a Tiger fan, old, young, black, white, Asian, Midtown, Southwind, everyone. And that’s a feeling I’d like to hold onto for more than just a few days. I know the national media have dissed us repeatedly, but it’s really up to us now. Can we keep talking to each other, even if not about the Tigers? Can we stay friends, focused on a similar goal? Maybe we should declare that a blue UofM flag on your car is a sign that you care about more than basketball. That you care about Memphis.

We love you, Joey, Chris, Derrick, Coach … Go Tigers.

I realize that the Tigers playing for the National Championship tonight may not be of all that much interest to the people who read here (*cough*women*cough*) but c’mon! Is there REALLY any other story in town today? These boys have made history with their 38-1 record and have brought so much pride and joy to a city that – let’s face it – can use a little esteem these days.

I was trying to think of a spin on this story – because I simply can’t think of any thing else today!!!!!1!! – that would interest us girls. But there are no photos of the boys in anything other than uniforms, so the fashion angle is out. They don’t wear make up so no critiques there. The only real hair story is the stars shaved into Doneal Mack’s hair and frankly, I kinda like them. So after the jump: THE GIRLFRIEND’S GUIDE TO THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP. Read the rest of this entry »