Mom and Dad

Mommy was born in Cooper, Texas in 1922 as Margaret Noreen K----- (protecting myself a bit). She was one of 4 kids -- two sisters, Louise and Elizabeth -- Lou and Bess; brother Ronald (Ronny). I knew all of them from my earliest childhood, lived to see two of them pass away. My mother and her sister Bess. I miss them both, they were something else to behold in life.

When all three sisters were together, along with a great aunt Louise (Lou), the comedy and laughter never seemed to stop. Maybe it was the alcohol they drank, but who cares, they were really very funny.

Daddy, Richard Maxfield Shannon, was born in Houston in 1911. A little older that mom obviously! Good for Dad! And she was very pretty back in the day. Good for Dad -- and mom! Dad had siblings too -- Betsy and Jack (actually John -- why do they do that?) John Phillip Shannon and Elizabeth (Bess) Taylor were my grand parents -- never knew grandad.

Grandma was just what you would envision for a granny, gingham flowered dresses and lots of plants and flowers around. Could cook like nobodies business. Guess that is where I get the knack! I just grew up in an environment where family eating was an event -- especially Sunday lunch time after church!

Mommy was a secretary as the ship yards in Houston during the time around WWII. Dad was a well known musician in Houston. Rice University graduate in Architecture, but his life was music. Leader of the Rice "Owls" Dance Band in the 1930's he went into the US Navy as a first class petty officer during WWII and served in the Alaskan theater. Guess that started me towards the Navy when the time came!

Mommy stayed at home during my school years and never really worked again. Her job was raising me and she did a pretty good job considering. I never had to be a latch-key kid. I think that really had an impact on my perception of how family's should be. Perhaps a reason for wanting more for my own family later in life.

Not so bad for an adopted kid. Only child you know, grew up spoiled to death. That is probably a bad thing that still impacts my "needs". Well that sets up the rest of my life. Stand by for more .....