To all the Sheriff John Deputies out there who are sharing this day with me, let's sing the "Birthday Cake Polka" together.
Birthday Cake Polka
Put another candle on my birthday cake
We're gonna bake a birthday cake
Put another candle on my birthday cake
I'm another year old today
I'm gonna have a party with my birthday cake
Come on and take some birthday cake
Put another candle on my birthday cake
I'm another year old today
We'll have some pie and sandwiches
and chocolate ice cream too
We'll sing and play the day away
and one more thing I'm going to do
I'll blow out the candles on my birthday cake
and when I do, a wish I'll make
Put another candle on my birthday cake
I'm another year old today
(repeat above choruses)
Happy birthday to you
I'm another year old today.
A few years ago, I received a letter from John Rovick, KTTV's Sheriff John and my lunchtime companion when I was a little tyke. The letter was as gentle, kind and warm as I hoped he was when I watched him, constantly in the 1950's and early 60's. After I read it and remembered that time, I felt very, very old. But appreciative. He was especially appreciated when I was a very sick little boy and spent much time under doctor's care or in bed.It made me think of much simpler times, filled with an innocence that was held in earnest and without embarrassment. I thought of my brother and the days and nights we shared in those days. Truly, those days were and remain a blessing beyond description. He is and was a great brother and I love him dearly. One of the best birthday presents I could get is to be able to spend more time with him. Well, I am grateful for the times we do have and the phone calls that come without reason.
Sheriff John, nay, Mr. Rovick, was kind enough to send a cassette of the "Birthday Cake Polka" he would sing each show to all those who sent in their names to the television station. As I woke up this morning, that silly song began to play in my head. I also remembered that as a young boy, I thought it odd that someone would have pie and birthday cake at the same event.
When asked if I felt any different today, I said to a friend, "No, just as worn out as I did yesterday."
Honestly, I am doing pretty well. Back at WW and the inches are shrinking...slow but sure. Also working out and taking care of this old husk a bit better these days. I may look like hell, but I feel a wee bit better than that.
To all the other members of Sheriff John's Lunch Brigade, Happy Birthday to You! Let's have some pie and sandwiches! And happy birthday to me. I am many "another year old today".
9 comments:
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear brother-in-lawlessness! Happy Birthday to you.
Can you read this without the tune? Knowing you, I bet you can! Love, your sister-in-lawfulness. XXOO
Happy, happy...birthday boy!
Happy Birthday, Terry!! I hope that it is a most wonderful one.
We'll all lift our glasses and toast you one today! TO TERRY! Happy Birthday!
To my all powerful big brother! I can only hope I gewt to see you before your NEXT birthday!! Lots and lots of love and happy thoughts and memories from my home to yours :)
Tracey
Love you too, T and H. Thanks for visiting.
I saw Sheriff John in person back in the day when he did a location shoot. I'm sad to say he was a bit cranky when the camera was not on. Now, as an adult, I can appreciate the reality of playing a role but then I was a bit disillusioned. I think I continued to watch him after that however. Loved the song and the cartoons (or am I confusing that with Skipper Frank?).
Received an anonymous comment indicating that Sheriff John was on KTTV, Channel 11, not KTLA and whomever made that comment is absolutely correct. Thanks for the correction, but I wish I knew who the fan was that pointed out the error.
NOTE: The correction in the blog entry has been made.
Ed,
No, I think you've got the right show. I met Skipper Frank many years ago at the Magic Castle when I was member and he was a kindly, older gent. A little hard of hearing, but wore an easy smile.
From what I understand, John Rovic is still alive and living in Boise, ID. He was interviewed by the media when "Engineer Bill" Stulla passed away on August 12, 2008. Stulla was 97. Rovic should be about 89 today.
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