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Red Dirt Ramblings®

Firmly rooted in the Oklahoma soil

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Snow days, a funeral, and food

7 February, 2022 By Dee Nash

by Dee Nash
7 February, 20227 February, 2022Filed under:
  • Gardening
  • Recipes

I wanted to write about snow days, a funeral, and food during the actual snowfall, but my internet went down. So, I’m writing today.

Mom, my sister, Nita, and I at Megan’s wedding shower.

First, things first. My mother died on January 27, 2022, due to complications from Covid-19. We planned her funeral for last Thursday, but then the snow started to fall, and it fell for two days straight. In our neck of the woods, we received about five inches. I just couldn’t see trying to have a funeral with so much snow and ice on the ground. Frankly, I was afraid someone would get hurt. In fact, on Saturday, I fell in a parking lot on some black ice. I didn’t break anything, but I’m bruised.

We rescheduled the funeral for tomorrow, February 8, 2022, at 9:00 a.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Oklahoma City. Since Mom was cremated, there’s no hurry, but I didn’t want to have the funeral and then inter her ashes later. I sincerely appreciate everyone’s condolences. Thank you. Please know she was in terrible pain and very, very sick for a long time. It’s said so often that it feels like a cliche, but I believe she’s in a better place and is reunited with my sister. The hardest part about all of this is I’m the last one in my family, and it’s a strange unsettling feeling.

Eastern Bluebird by Ken Thomas, through the creative commons license. Thank you Ken.

I have a quick story. I am very fond of birds. I always have been. I love bluebirds best of all. Each year, we have several Bluebird pairs who nest in our garden along with lots of other backyard favorites like Cardinals, Dark-eyed Juncos, Robins, Black-capped Chickadees, Mourning Doves, etc.

Male bluebird scouts start looking for nesting places in February, and I often see them as I walk my property.

When I was moving my mother’s things out of her assisted living facility, I was feeling quite sad. I had a trash bag to throw into the dumpster. Suddenly, I heard a male bluebird singing his heart out. I looked for him in the trees. He was right above me, and he kept pace with me all the way to the dumpster. As I looked up, he sang and sang. I thanked him for his song, and then he flew away leaving my soul a little lighter. I think my mother or sister sent that bluebird to me.

Sauteeng bacon for the French farmer soup
Adding chicken broth to the sauteed tomatillos.
Tomatillos, carrots, onion, Mexican oregano, and pork layered in the crockpot for green chile stew.
Cooking beans in the crockpot for the French Farmer Soup.

When we had to move the funeral, I began cooking because I craved comfort food, and I find cooking soothing. On snowy days, for me, comfort food means soups and stews. I made slow cooker beef and bean chili, green chile stew, except I made my own green chile sauce with fresh tomatillos. I finally made a French farmers’ soup from Fine Cooking which incorporated both beans and a lot of root vegetables. I shared some of this on my Instagram, and now I’m sharing the recipe links.

Above is a quick video of me placing homemade croutons on the French Farmer Soup.

After the storm, the weather cleared, and we had the bluest skies I’ve ever seen. I’m sharing those here.

Pond with snow and the bluest sky.
Raised beds in the snow. In a few months, those beds will be full of flowers. I can see the zinnias in my mind’s eye.
Shadows and the little bridge.
Snow day with the pond.
Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ has such beautiful color in winter.
I’m standing and the bottom of the back garden looking back at the house.
Pink muhly grass in the snow.
Snowy back garden. I love the arbors.
A different view of the arbors in the back garden.

Blue skies, soup, and bluebirds. Let’s take each day and enjoy it as much as possible even when it’s difficult. Better times are ahead, the snow has melted, and it’s only 41 days until spring.

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Comments

  1. Maribeth says

    18 February, 2022 at 9:18 pm

    I’ve been out of town and just now read your post. I am so sorry about the death of your mother. Sending sincere wishes to you for peace and solace. St. Francis was my family’s church all through my childhood. I’ll keep your mom and your loved ones in my thoughts and prayers.
    Maribeth

  2. LaDonna Evans says

    9 February, 2022 at 12:06 am

    I am sorry for your loss, even though she is no longer in pain it’s still hard. So thankful God sent a Bluebird to sin for you. Bluebirds hold a special place in our hearts too, and we we see them we consider it a sign that God is in contro.

  3. Becky Kirts says

    8 February, 2022 at 7:01 pm

    Dee… I am deeply sorry for your loss. I have loss both my parents in the last 10years and we now live in their house. My parents loved cardinals and I now feed them and see them everywhere. The cardinals bring me comfort, my mom and dad are here with me and in a better place. Thank you for sharing …. I hope you will find peace …hug that grand baby and look for bluebirds.

  4. Mary Schier says

    8 February, 2022 at 4:45 pm

    Sincerest condolences to you, Dee. When I was (much!) younger, I was very close to my grandmother, who had a great affinity for monarch butterflies. On the morning after she died, I walked out of my parents’ house and was almost attacked by a swarm of monarchs. I realize now they were warming themselves on the porch, but I know who sent them. I’m glad you had a bluebird to sing to you during that hard day.

  5. Susan Jones says

    8 February, 2022 at 3:51 pm

    They will continue to influence your life. Memories are our greatest treasure!

  6. danger garden says

    8 February, 2022 at 12:44 pm

    Oh Dee, I am so sorry. Thank you for sharing the story about the bird.

  7. Andra McEwen says

    8 February, 2022 at 11:15 am

    So sorry for the loss of your mom. Nothing prepares you for the feeling of being the only one left. I’ve been there too. Also a loss during winter is hard. But there are signs that I felt were messages from those I loved also -such as birds on a cold winter day making beautiful noises. You really are not alone-your family is always watching over you.

  8. Karen says

    8 February, 2022 at 10:58 am

    It is an unsettling feeling to be the last in your family but we can find family in many places though they might not be the same. Thank you for writing. I always enjoy reading about your gardens and nature.

  9. Anonymous says

    8 February, 2022 at 10:52 am

    May God continue to comfort you in the passing of your mother. My mother loved cardinals and I cannot see one without thinking of her. Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures and your soups. ??

  10. Anonymous says

    8 February, 2022 at 10:40 am

    May God continue to comfort you in the passing of your mother. My mother loved cardinals and I cannot see one without thinking of her. Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures and your soups. ??

  11. Anonymous says

    8 February, 2022 at 10:36 am

    Dee, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope every time you see a bluebird it brings you happy thoughts of your mom and sister. June

  12. Sarah says

    8 February, 2022 at 10:22 am

    What humanity in your story. Thank you for sharing and condolences. I have another friend who was visited by a bird upon the death of her father. To think with your gifts you can make a garden to entice more visits from beyond. Warmly, Sarah

  13. Michele says

    8 February, 2022 at 9:55 am

    Bluebirds have always been special to me too. I planted several bluebird houses at Mitch and Hafer Parks with my campfire troop many years ago (25! Yikes). Any time I see one, I feel it’s my dad sending me a hello:). Such a gift.

  14. Laura says

    8 February, 2022 at 8:28 am

    Beautiful post, Dee. I’m so sorry for your loss.

    • Robin Harrison says

      8 February, 2022 at 8:43 am

      My heart breaks for you in this season of loss. I’m sending prayers for comfort knowing your mother is healed and celebrating with loved ones. Blessings to you.

    • Jeannie says

      8 February, 2022 at 10:51 am

      Dee, may God continue to comfort you in the loss of your mother. Cardinals were my mother’s favorite and make me smile every time! Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures and soups. ??

  15. Tania says

    8 February, 2022 at 7:19 am

    Condolences for the loss of your mother and sister. I worked with Nita and on the last day before I retired in December 2017, she gave me a hug and wished me well. She was really proud of you and told me about your website and book, The 20-30 Something Garden Guide, which we carry at the library where I work now, Pioneer Library System. I enjoy reading your monthly internet information.

  16. Lydia Plunk says

    7 February, 2022 at 8:00 pm

    May God bless and keep you as he directs true peace to your family.

  17. monalewisgabriel says

    7 February, 2022 at 6:16 pm

    Hugs dear Dee,
    I am so sorry about your Mom..
    This song comes to mind. Mr Bluebird on my shoulder. Zippeedeedoodah
    Hope you are doing ok.
    Love,
    Mona

  18. thequeenofseaford says

    7 February, 2022 at 6:09 pm

    Hugs to you and your family Dee. Glad Mr. Bluebird brought a bit of joy to your heart as you carried out your sad tasks. Your comfort foods look good.

  19. Sonia says

    7 February, 2022 at 5:13 pm

    So glad that Mr. Bluebird sang to you. I’m always amazed how God sents us sweet gifts to lift our sadness. Yes the sky has been so blue and the snow so bright! It’s been beautiful watching the snow melt as we so needed the moisture. I can hardly wait until Spring but this is the time of year I am “forced” to work inside so I’m being productive. Sounds like you have been too with all your cooking. Once again my condolences to you and your family…I’ll be praying for you especially tomorrow. ,

    • Dee Nash says

      7 February, 2022 at 5:27 pm

      Sonia, I’m always amazed too. Whenever I think I cannot take anything else, He always sends me something. The bluebird was perfect, and I am so grateful. Thank you again, and I appreciate the prayers. ~~Dee

      • Kim says

        11 February, 2022 at 10:44 pm

        Bless your heart, I am so very sorry about the loss of your mom. Thank you for all the joy you bring me with yours and Carol’s podcast. May the Lord comfort you as you walk through your grief.

  20. Carol Henderson says

    7 February, 2022 at 5:12 pm

    I also believe that blue bird was a messenger to lift your heart. I have seen comments from others who have had similar experiences. Please accept my condolences. Know that you are also bringing joy to others when you share your garden with us. Thank you.

    • Dee Nash says

      7 February, 2022 at 5:28 pm

      Thank you Carol. That made my day. I’ll share more now that I will have more time. ~~Dee

  21. Pat Leuchtman says

    7 February, 2022 at 5:10 pm

    Dee – My heart goes out to you – and glad that the bluebird sang to you. I also send prayers to you and all your family.

    • Dee Nash says

      7 February, 2022 at 5:28 pm

      Thank you Pat. It’s been a long road. I appreciate your prayers. ~~Dee

  22. Terri McGugan says

    7 February, 2022 at 4:52 pm

    Dee, I am so sorry to hear about your mom….prayers and hugs to you and your family

    • Dee Nash says

      7 February, 2022 at 5:29 pm

      Thank you Terri. It’s been difficult. I appreciate you. ~~Dee

  23. Linda Phillips says

    7 February, 2022 at 4:38 pm

    January seems to be the saddest month for so many as it’s undeniable that more deaths occur in this month than any other. I know this from my own experience, too. Lost several of my family in this month. I am thankful Mr Bluebird helped sing away some of your heartache and your garden plans will keep you busy so you can pay tribute to them in the way you know best.

    • Dee Nash says

      7 February, 2022 at 5:30 pm

      Linda, I didn’t know that about the month of January, but it is very sad for me. I lost both my mom and sister in January. However, we soldier on. I am really looking forward to gardening again. ~~Dee

Trackbacks

  1. A redwork memorial quilt - Red Dirt Ramblings® says:
    20 February, 2022 at 2:05 pm

    […] she’d forgotten she had it so this was the first time she brought it out to sell. I explained my mother’s name was Rose, and I lost her three weeks ago. The lady teared up, hugged me, and said the quilt must be […]

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