Day 13 of the Countdown, Ah Ha Haaaaaaaa

It must have been Christmas of 1976 when I received 3 Sesame Street puppets as a gift.  It was Bert, Ernie and Cookie Monster. I don't recall asking for them, but it's possible.  I was 9 years old (just turned), so it sounds a little old for Sesame Street, but I may have just been interested in the idea of puppets.  At any rate, I accepted them and played with them on occasion.  Cookie Monster was the most fun because his throat actually opened in back and you could force feed him cookies. I recall trying to make this a feature on Ernie as well (using a screwdriver) and just ended up tearing his neck open.  If I'd known "Count von Count" was an option, I'm sure I would have asked for him.

I picked The Count up at a massive estate sale this past summer.  I found vast treasures there and I don't believe I ever wrote about it.  Maybe I'll do that after Halloween. (actually, I found I did write about some of the finds, but those are but a few).

The Count's monocle is still in place which is nice.

I'm pretty sure this is the only vampire puppet ever made for kids (I know someone is going to prove me wrong in the comments).

1976 jibes with my memories.

Actually, the puppet, while cool, isn't a great likeness if you compare him in this clip.

The Count made his debut on Sesame Street in the 4th season (1972-73). He was created by Sesame Street writer Norman Stiles.  He was voiced by Jerry Nelson who also provided the voices for Robin the Frog (Kermit's nephew), Crazy Harry, Dr. Julius Strangepork, and Camilla Chicken, among others.

There's only 19, ah ha haaaa, days until Halloween, so if you haven't visited the Countdown to Halloween yet, head on over.  You will like what you find; you can Count on it! Ah ha ha haaaaaaaa!!!