To kick off a new occasional feature, meet "Lynryd," better known as Linda, No. 11. among the 16 first cousins (I'm No. 14). She's also No. 6 of eight "Madison Kids," a name fashioned by our grandma when the kids lived in Madison, Ind., in the 1970s with their folks, Homer and Mary Helen. It was a lot easier than saying Gary, Patty, Karen, Brenda, John, Linda, Mark and Sharon. Still is, and it's what I -- lovingly, of course -- call them collectively to this day.
Linda lives in Indiana and works for the federal government. She is mom to Ryan, who's in the Army Reserve and preparing to study criminal justice, and middle-schooler Blake. She's also an aunt several times over, most recently to baby sister Sharon's first child, Jack Cooper. Jack was born on his due date of Oct. 18, making him, like Linda and our grandma Lenore, a Libra.1. What was it like growing up one of eight "Madison Kids"?
When I was growing up, being part of 8 didn’t seem any different to me than any other family except there was always a lot of turmoil. There seemed to be someone always arguing. Now, being part of a family with 8 kids is unheard of. Between us, there is a lot more companionship and a lot less fighting. Of course, you know we all love to get together and play poker. I remember one evening you came over to my Mom and Dad’s during a poker game and I can still hear you looking around saying “sensory overload” because everyone was talking all at once and there were so many of us crammed in the kitchen. That still cracks me up.
[Editor's note: I don't remember the "sensory overload" comment; all I know is, as an only child, I always wanted to be an honorary Madison Kid.]
2. Aside from "Lynryd," there've been nicknames for your sibs and at least one cousin. Give me examples, and who started the trend?
I have no idea who, where or exactly when this “name changing” trend started. I know I have been called “Lynryd” for over 30 years. It has been shortened (for the most part) from Lynyrd Sknyrd. Maybe, that’s when the band was created? Some of my brothers and sisters had some creative nicknames, such as a sister we called “Bernard,” but we have since changed that to “Barn Yard” due to her country tendencies. Another brother we called “Johnna” and yet another brother we called “Murtha” and even at times extended that to “Murtha Mucker Mutt”. I’m sure this was created by someone in the 8 as just another teasing method. (Probably Brenda.)
[Ed. note: "Bernard" would be Brenda; "Murtha" would be Mark; "Johnna" would be John and was probably funny to us when we were kids because of our girl cousin Jahna. I'm pretty sure Sharon is "Sherman." And Lynyrd failed to mention I was "Angus," though it's fairly coincidental we named our dog Angus, and I had a childhood dog named Rufus who was almost named Angus.]
3. What is your fondest memory of me? (Try not to embarrass me too much, if possible.)
HMMMM…………………fondest memory………It would have to be being lucky enough to stay the night at Grandma's with you and staying up eating SpaghettiOs, Little Debbies and anything else we could find in the pantry at 3:00 a.m. We never actually got to play with too many of your toys because I was super clumsy and would end up breaking something, but we always found something to do for hours on end.
4. You served in the Army and lived overseas. Tell me about some of your memorable travels. What's your favorite city among those you've seen?
My favorite country would be Switzerland because it’s so beautiful. I have been numerous times. Each time was breathtaking. I have been downhill skiing there and even camping at the foot of the Alps. Another favorite would be Holland. I love the sea, and the countryside is so clean.
5. What are some of your favorite movies?
"An Officer and a Gentleman," "Saturday Night Fever," "Clueless," "Home Alone"
6. Best concerts you've ever seen?
Bruce Springsteen at Wembley Stadium, London, England; Kid Rock in Louisville, Ky.
7. How do you spend your free time?
Attending sporting events that son is involved in, catching up with friends, hosting poker parties, going to the movies, experiencing some of the eclectic dining in Louisville and of course every now and then bar hopping. I also usher at Actors Theatre of Louisville for fun.
8. Why are you so funny?
Der?
[Ed. note: She really is. Trust me.]
9. What's something you've never done but always wanted to?
Parasail, fly in an F-14, take an Alaskan Cruise, travel to Hong Kong, Hawaii …………………
10. What's your favorite "Brady Bunch" episode?
I can’t remember the episodes -- the only thing I can remember of one episode is Peter saying “pork chops and applesauce.”
[Ed. note: This episode, which originally aired Oct. 22, 1971, is titled "The Personality Kid." Synopsis found online: At a party, Peter is told he has no personality. Rather than admit he simply had a bad time at a dull party, he tries to create a new personality. He forces several personas -- including his infamous impersonation of Humphrey Bogart in describing the family's meal of pork chops and applesauce, but none of them go over well. Later, he buys a joke book, but when he tries them out at his party, he finds everyone knows the punchlines. Just as he's trying to keep his party afloat, Bobby and Cindy (who in the subplot were on a safety campaign) call a surprise fire drill, forcing everyone to flee the house.]
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That's it. Thanks for playing, Linda!
If anyone would like to know more about someone else or if you have question ideas for next time, let me know!
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