DAILY DIRT: ‘A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water’

Daily Dirt for Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023

All these years later, the man they call Dirt is still following the sun … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 795 of The Daily Dirt.

1. Even thought it was expected, it was still quite a shock to wake up the other day and see the ground covered with the first snowfall of the season.

And from what I read and hear, that might wind up being the first of many such occurrences this winter.

For me, winter does not officially begin until that first snow. So, buckle up, buttercup, winter’s here, bay-bee. Which brings to today’s first thought concerning best and worst parts of this time of the year, especially concerning those mass amounts of snow that can create a winter of discontent.First, my thoughts on the winter months, especially those accompanied with the aforementioned snow. Lots of snow:

• “A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water.” — Carl Reiner, actor, comedian, director.
• “Nothing burns like the cold.” —George R.R. Martin, “A Game of Thrones.”
• “Winter is not a season, it’s an occupation.” — Sinclair Lewis. novelist and playwright.
• “Winter is much like unrequited love; cold and merciless.” — Kellie Elmore, author.
• “Winter is nature’s way of saying, ‘Up yours.’”– Robert Byrne, author.

And now, the thoughts of others, who despite the anticipated doldrums of winter that are right around the corner, remain optimistic:

• “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?” —Percy Bysshe Shelley, “Ode to the West Wind”.
• “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” — John Steinbeck, “Travels with Charley: In Search of America”.
• “Be like snow — cold but beautiful.” — Lana Del Rey, entertainer.
• “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” — Hal Borland, journalist.
• “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.” — singer Dean Martin, from — appropriately —  “Let it Snow”.

2. Speaking of cold winter days, those are often the time I enjoy listening to old Beatles tunes.

Some seem to fit so well within that particular framework. Here are some lines from John, George, Paul and Ringo that are popping into my mind following a Monday evening listening session the mancave:

• “For tomorrow may rain, so I’ll follow the sun … ” — from “I’ll Follow the Sun,” 1964: This was one of those early songs that drew me to the Fab Four when I was a wee lad. I’ve always been big on lyrics, and this one really struck a nerve in my universe.
• “Life is very short and there’s no time for fussing and fighting, my friend … ” — from “We Can Work It Out,” 1965: This may have been the song that cemented my overall appreciation of the Beatles. It was also one of the first “relationship” songs that touched the same never mentioned in the “I’ll Follow the Sun” comment.
• “There are places I’ll remember all my life, though some have changed. Some forever, not for better. Some have gone and some remain. All these places have their moments … ” — from “In My Life,” 1965: John was the featured vocalist. I have always felt it was one of his better efforts.
• “The long and winding road that leads to your door will never disappear … ” — “The Long and Winding Road,” 1970: The group’s swan song. Twas the end of an era.
• “Here comes the sun, and I say, ‘It’s alright … ‘” — from “Here Comes the Sun,” 1969. Like many of their songs, this song evoked both a degree of sadness and hope.

3. This week’s NFL rankings and marquee games:

• 1. Philadelphia (10-1): That 37-34 overtime win against Buffalo may have been the game of the year (so far) in the NFL.
• 2. Kansas City (8-3): Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has thrown two or more TD passes 66 times in his first seven seasons, an NFL record.
• 3. San Francisco (8-3): The 49ers will carry a three-game win streak into Sunday’s game with Philadelphia.
• 4. Baltimore (9-3): The Ravens’ defense remains elite.
• 5. Jacksonville (8-3): For those keeping score at home, the Jags have won seven of their last eight.

This week’s three key games:

(Sunday) San Francisco at Philadelphia: This week’s must-see game. Home-field advantage may be the difference. Prediction: Philadelphia 31, San Francisco 27. I feel another big-play day from Jalen Hurts is coming.

(Sunday) Denver at Houston: Two of the league’s hottest teams teams square off in a game that will likely be decided by uber rookie quarterbacks C.J. Stroud. Prediction: Houston 26, Denver 23. Both the Texans and Broncos need new uniforms.

(Thursday) Seattle at Dallas: Dallas is unbeaten at home this season. That streak should remain intact. Prediction: Dallas 35, Seattle 21. Please, Seattle, don’t wear those lime green uniforms again.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — I’m kind of like snow, too. Cold, but beautiful.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. Better cold-related nickname: “Stone Cold” Steve Austin or George “The Iceman” Gervin?