Daily Dirt: …as long as whipped cream is involved…

 Daily Dirt for July 30, 2021 by Steve Eighinger

Another day, another three thoughts. This, folks, is Vol. 22 of the Daily Dirt:

1. The older I get, the more fascinated I become with birds. A few years ago, I began spending more and more time on our pack porch area watching cardinals, blue jays and whatever else happened to land on and around the bird feeders my wife had assembled and hung up (for the record, the Little Woman is quite handy). I have even kept stat books on the number of landings particular birds had in our backyard. And lately, with the help of the aforementioned Little Woman, I have become quite interested in the sounds of particular birds. On more than occasion of late, my wife has referred to me as a bird brain. I’m not sure if that was complimentary or not … but that’s another thought for another day.

2. How do you feel about peanut-butter pie? For quite some time now, it’s been No. 1 on my list of such pastries. Key lime and apple are also on the medal stand for pie offerings. Least favorite? I realize I’m likely in the minority, but pumpkin pie is just nasty. I’m not sure if it’s the texture, taste or what, but I’m not a fan. I’m also not crazy about any of the berry pies, for the exception of strawberry. Strawberry is a keeper, as long as whipped cream is involved.

3. Best baseball stories of the summer:

A. The emergence of Shohei Ohtani as a true superstar, and a personality Major League Baseball can use to grow the game internationally.

B. The appeal of Fernando Tatis Jr. With apologies to Ohtani, Tatis will be the future face of MLB. Remember, “El Nino” is only 22, and if he avoids the pitfalls that ruined the careers of then-budding megastars like Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry, Tatis will own the national pastime.

C. The San Francisco Giants. For a team most felt would not even finish .500, the Giants are hard not to cheer for … oh, and just give Gabe Kapler the manager of the year award right now.