Leo's Winter Photos

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From Gary Brooker

I went to 4 different ski resorts in 4 days. Perfect plan for a guy who likes to explore different places and see what they have to offer! I left immediately after my half day of school Friday and drove clear to Denver and thanks to the time change was in bed by 10:30pm. I got up early enough to ski a full day at Keystone prior to finding the Leadville Hostel where I stayed (http://www.leadvillehostel.com/tour.html).

I give the hostel a thumbs up! You can bring your own food and keep it in their huge commercial fridge and fix good meals for yourself in their kitchen. The bathroom is clean and the showers blast the water. The beds are comfortable and despite 17 boy scouts there the first night it was always quiet at night. They have commercial washers and dryers available to wash up clothes and not bring a ton with you. They have two big TV's to watch Direct TV channels. Internet is available to use for a charge and a nice pool table for $0.50 a game. For a charge of $18 per night you can't beat it anywhere. They've been doing this a long time and they have their system down pat.

They are a little low on snow at Keystone and I scratched up my skis on their open runs. 2nd ski day I went to Breckenridge and it has a little more snow on the hill than Keystone. It was very crowded which I think is normal for them but they also had a big event competition going on. Despite the crowd I only waited once for a real long time in a singles line.

I met a volunteer ski patrol guy in the Hostel who has done that job for nearly 30 years at Ski Cooper. He gave me a free pass and talked me into trying his ski place. Ski Cooper was a huge surprise to me! I thought it was fairly small from Internet research and he told me they only had 2 lifts and they are slow. He was right that the lifts are slow and that was the only drawback. The runs are all over a mile long. The green runs are tough. They are steeper than Steamboat blue runs. They do not blow ANY artificial snow there but they don't have to because they get lots of natural stuff. They had the most snow of any of the 4 places I went on this trip. It was the only resort where I skied some powder on the trip. There are lots of beautiful glade runs. I will definitely go back to the Hostel and back to Ski Cooper on other Colorado trips.

My last ski day was only planned for a half day prior to running out of town to beat a snow storm in the Mountains and an ice storm in Kansas. I picked the right place for a short day. I started skiing at 9:20am and by 10:30 am I had skied every single open run at Arapahoe Basin. It was a very fun trip of exploration.
My other possible trips for the season are Feb 12 - 14 and March 11 - 14 if anybody decides to tag along.

Dick Jorgensen's snow pics

Oops

The link below may not work...but I tried

Iron Man and Mark Brooker

Mark did real good , finished 2 in His age group!
You can look it up by going to http://ironman.com/events/ironman/arizona/show=tracker
Time for the2.4 mile swim 57:33 min
" " " bike 112 mile 4.40:41
" " 26.2 mile run 3.33:25 total of 9.18:04
the winner was 9.10:33
Tempe Az.

The William R Brooker Branch

The WRB branch of the family gathered together on Thanksgiving. Looks like the guys are waiting for dinner! Mark, Brooks,Bill and Paul.

Instructions

It seems some people have had difficulty using the website recommended by Twila. See if the comment and clarification below helps clear it up.
Twila's original instruction
It can be viewed at www.rootsweb.com then go under Family Trees (World Connect), Search Family Trees. You will need to scroll to the 2nd page down near the last entry. It is under Brooker, Jacob, born 1798 in Germany. This is Butch's great-great grandfather and when you go into the site you can look under the register and it is easier reading. Anyway I do hope some enjoy and I am happy for feedback on errors etc.

Comment and clarification
Just noticed Twi forgot to say that you have to do a search on Jacob Brooker. After you have chosen "Search Family Trees" under "family Trees (World Connect)", you have to type in Brooker under family name and Jacob under given name and then hit Search. Then you will get the 2 pages of listings. Once you have clicked the proper Jacob Brooker, you can click Index, Descendancy or Register to see various listings of the family tree. Good luck.

These pictures from Duane

Hi Joann and Dick,
After seeing the posting on the Blog and Gary sending me your email, I thought you may be interested to know about the other stone there. It is very hard to read and is so old, but still standing.
This is the tombstone of Catherine Brooker the wife of Jacob that came to the US. She is also buried in Fairview Cemetery north of Winterset. Her tombstone lies to the left of the big Brooker stone of John Brooker and his wife. John was her son. She and her husband lived with their daughter in old age in Granavillo, IA. The daughter and Jacob are buried there. After the death of her husband it is evident that she came south to Madison county to live with her sons family.

more pictures

Fairview Cemetary - Winterset, Iowa

Dick went to Winterset this morning. While he was there he stopped by the cemetary and took pictures of various tombstones. We are posting a few of those pictures. If you wish more, please let me know.

Dick

A chain reaction

From Clyde Brooker to his sister Gail to us!!
Thanks! It is really interesting.(referring to the ancestry post) I asked Krimhilde's brother about the area. Turns out it is a former kingdom - there were 4 or so kingdoms making up Germany before the 1st world war. If we can find out the city Jacob lived near, he will go to the town and take some pictures. It turns out he lives very close to the area. It is in South - West Germany next to France. I have access to "Ancestry dot com and so will see what I can find. If we get more information I think I can talk Sigfried into doing some research for us. He learned a lot from doing their family tree.

Krimhilde and I are headed to Lake Tahoe tomorrow for a couple of days. I just love this time of year in the mountains and so am really looking forward to it.

Thyroid

Thought this might be worth a mention. Butch, Bill and Bill's son Mark all have thyroid issues and have known it for awhile. And recently Leo found out he did as well. It is a simple test so perhaps the next time you have a blood draw it might be wise to have it tested.

Bill & Jo's view

Seems a drama unfolds regularly at Bill and Jo's place in Arkansas. A fox and a possum are having a discussion over the cuisine! Sorry it took so long to get this on here Bill.

From Twila

I have just put the Brooker family tree online. I thought maybe we could put a blurp on the blog about it?
It can be viewed at www.rootsweb.com then go under Family Trees (World Connect), Search Family Trees. You will need to scroll to the 2nd page down near the last entry. It is under Brooker, Jacob, born 1798 in Germany. This is Butch's great-great grandfather and when you go into the site you can look under the register and it is easier reading. Anyway I do hope some enjoy and I am happy for feedback on errors etc.

It has been one of the worse summers this year. 50 some days of over 100, but know you probably heard. Guess Iowa has had a great summer. Twila

Bill Brooker's Fox

They have been coming in every night now, never miss a day, because I am feeding them dog food!~!

Fun to watch! Usually 4 at a time WRB

From Gail Brooker Meiners

I thought you would like to see we still have a Brooker in my family. This is "Brooker" James. He is my younger son's Brian) boy. Brooker is now 14 months old. Sofia, his sister is 4 years old. I was very touched when they named him Brooker.

A Very Big Thank You

We had such a wonderful time at the Brooker Family Reunion. It was absolutely wonderful to see Gary and Nancy again. The four of us did so much together while they lived in Ankeny. Great memories!

Leo's family went to a lot of work preparing for the event - thank you, thank you. It was a huge success. The breakfast, snacks and dinner were absolutely delicious.
The picture tribute to the Brooker Family was very enjoyable. Dick wonders who had the picture of him with the fox.

Throughout the week I get to thinking about the story of the police car and the popcorn stand - what a sight that must have been. Funny!

Leo - thanks again for organizing this event.

Thank You!

Thank you to Leo and Keri for hosting the Brooker reunion!

Thank you to everyone that traveled so far to be there!

It was SO MUCH fun to see everyone!

Webshots Photos

Here is a link to the Webshots Brooker Family Reunion Album.
http://community.webshots.com/user/barbie1943
Anyone wanting prints of these photos or any other photos can get them directly from Webshots. It is easy to do and the quality is good. Also inexpensive. I recently ordered pictures from them. I ordered 17 pictures including 3 or 4 5x7's and it was less than $10 with S & H.

Funtime had by all!

Anyone care to guess what Bill's plans are for the ball bat?

Maggie had fun with the really big ball!


For more pictures go to this site on Webshots:http://community.webshots.com/user/barbie1943

Comments

From Barb B:
I tend to forget about the comments so I am sure others do as well. When someone leaves a comment about a picture or post, a number will appear after the tiny word 'comment'. I believe it is under the post. Could be wrong about that but try to remember to see if anyone has made a comment. I know, one more thing to remember! wink, wink.

Ridge Family

I am sad we won't get to make it to the reunion. It sounds like so much fun! I thought I would at least post some pictures, so you all could see us at least. The first picture is Brittany, our 20 year old. Then Gerald (Cindy's husband) and our son Mitch after a 10 K run. The next is taken at Mitch's wedding 4 years ago. Last is Tawny our 18 year old with her new Christmas puppy 1 1/2 years ago. We won't be able to make it because we closed our construction business & now Cindy has a new job, so it won't work out to take a vacation right now.

Messages from Attendees

From Pam Brooker:
Our Amanda won't be able to make the reunion as she started a full time job this week. We are all very disappointed.
We are visiting Pam's family Friday so won't arrive until Sat morning at your place. We are staying at Pam's brother in Waukee so won't be staying the night Sat. We must head back for PA on Sunday.

See you Sat
Paul,Pam, Kelsey, Rachel

From Bradley Brooker:
Hi Brookers!
The Bradley Brooker family (Brad, Mary, Ben and Audrey), are finalizing
plans for this weeks' trip to Iowa! We are planning to arrive Friday
and return to KC on Saturday afternoon due to a prior commitment
Saturday evening...What are the plans for Friday pm and Saturday
morning, and how can we connect with the most Brookers? We have enjoyed
seeing photos of our family on the "Blog" and look forward to getting to
know cousins.
Thank you so much for organizing!
Mary and Brad and kids

Brooker Weekend Draws Near

Photo at left is Leo, Emily, Keri, (Lori Andersen Clancy - Keri's Sister) and Erin.

We participated in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure in late October, 2008 in Des Moines, IA - 25,000 people ran or walked - as many as in New York City.

Hey, the weekend is getting close! Keri is testing new recipes and Sandi is ready for Fried Chicken and Chocolate Cake. Sheesh... what an event this will be...

Please confirm your reservations with the Super 8 Shangri-La.... otherwise you may be forced to play cards with Marlene & Don all night!!!! Gary Cornelius said his mother always played Tripoli with Butch and other family... Perhaps we should ressurect that game and give it a whirl ?!?

We have finalized the budget for the weekend. The cost for the weekend will include an All-Aboard Expense Paid Visit to the Jefferson Ranch complete with a Hearty Breakfast on Saturday Morning courtesy of Keri's Grandma Flossie's recipe along with a Lighter Breakfast on Sunday Morning before you choose a Church of your choice or other Sunday Morning activities (Guilt Trips All Around).

Also included will the be the Saturday Evening Banquet Feast provided ala Chef Keri Jane and her Adopted Assistants. There will be a Cash Bar provided by the Raccoon Valley Golf Club on Saturday evening before and during the Merriment. Prepare your Taste Buds for a special Saturday Evening Surprise Desert featuring one of the KC, Missouri Boys' favorties: "South Saint Louis Ooeey Gooeey Butter Cake"

We will also have some Beer, Soda Pop, & Iced Tea during the weekend along with some snacks to keep the Celebration vibrant and energetic. Please bring your own Special Brews or Hard Stuff to quench any special tastes you might have.

During the Saturday Evening Gala, we will have a Video History Showing our Humble Beginnings and Origins. We are providing 20 copies of this DVD to distribute throughout the Family Tree.

We have some Kids Activities and Games planned that we hope will be fun and entertaining.

We have priced the weekend to be all inclusive for everything described above at $27.50 per person. We have tried to keep it reasonable while still having a good time. If you have a small child that you feel will not benefit from many of the activities or meals, then feel free to discount your payment for that child. We do not want this to be a hardship on anyone. You can visit with Leo or Bill Brooker about any concerns. Please make checks payable to Leo Brooker.

See you Soon.

Twila (Cornelison) and Duane Harville.

Duane and Twila (Cornelison) Harville's kids. Cokey, Tammy, Becky and David.

Ruth (Brooker) Cornelison and James Clarke Cornelison with daughter Twila. Maybe 1938

Homer and Lois

Old Brooker Pictures

Old Brooker Pictures

Kid line up-1936 or 37 Names written on top of picture are Ramona,Georgia,Thelma Don,Bill,Bobby,Joan and Marlene

Old Brooker Pictures

From Twila to Gary C. to me.Thanks ya'all. Butch was born in 1941 and he looks to be 5 or 6 in this picture so 1946 or 1947?

BROOKER/JORGENSEN

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A Brooker Family Album

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The List as of July 14th

Have I missed anyone?
And by the way if your last name isn't Brooker I may have trouble remembering it so please accept my apologies.(SC) means sorta confirmed...
Leo and Keri Brooker
Erin and friend
Emily Brooker
Butch and Barb Brooker
Jason and Laura Brooker
Gary and Susan Brooker
Amanda Brooker Teeter
Marlene and Bernard Kelley
Diane and Blaze Rosene
Jennifer and husband
Sandy and husband
Bill and Jo Brooker
Barb O'Rouke
Jason, Angie and Allie
Brook O'Rouke (sc)
Mark Brooker
Don and Nancy Brooker
Gary and Nancy Cornelison (sc)
Dick & JoAnn Jorgensen
Sandra Holtz
Sandi
Tom, Ann & Jack, George, Ella
Amy and her 2 boys
Courtney
John & Marie Kelley
Dwight & Carolyn Kelley
Anna Kelley
Dan & Sara Kelley
Elizabeth & Daniel Johansen
Paul & Pam Brooker
Amanda Brooker
Kelsey Brooker
Rachel Brooker
Brian Brooker & Family
Brad Brooker & Family
Steve Brooker & family

Do you know anyone?

To Leo

Beware Dicks in training

BRW Itinerary- Erin & Emily with Keri's Mother Rosalie

Certain unnamed individuals that shall remain Anonymous that live in Des Moines who parents were the Beloved Paul & Norma Hamilton whose first name starts with S and can be spelled either Sandra or Sandy has asked for Fried Chicken and Chocolate Cake and Details....

The Main Central Hub for the Weekend will be at Leo & Keri's Ranch at 1167 N Avenue which is 1.3 miles north of Jefferson on Highway 4 on the east side (right side)... We will have signage... you won't miss it...

If you are staying at the Super 8 Motel, 515-386-2464, 207 W Gallup Rd, it is located at the corner of Highway 4 and Highway 30 on the North Edge of Jefferson exactly 1.3 miles south of Leo & Keri's Homestead.

Sandra is talking about BRW Details.... Sheesh...

Hmmmmmm.... Ahhhhhhhhhhh.... Details... well let me see... we have Friday night when some of the 70 family members will arrive and the remaining constituents will arrive on Saturday morning and afternoon.

It sounds like the Kansas City Kids (Don, Nancy, Steve, Brian, Brad and families) will be arriving on Saturday... If others could let me know when they will be Inbound, shoot me an email @ Leo@Brookerandcompany.com ...

Marlene is still screaming Deal Em so I anticipate Marlene dragging Bernard in on Friday early evening. I would guess William and Jo to be here on Friday afternoon/evening. Lenny & Barb are coming in on the 4th of August to help with the Preparations for the BRW.... I owe a lot to Butch & Barb for all of their help. Speaking of Gratitude Recognition, My Little Bride Keri Jane works determinedly on these kinds of events and I appreciate her very much.

It wouldn't surprise me if Lenny and Willy don't sneak in a Round of Golf on Friday afternoon... so if anyone wants to come in early and join them, then let me know...

Friday Evening will bring a Meet & Greet time with no formal meal provided but some snacks and drinks while sitting around the campfire roasting Marshmellows and making Smores...

Saturday morning Keri Jane has a small breakfast planned for all the ancestors to enjoy... this should start around 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. when the golfers will begin their first round at the Raccoon Valley Golf Club. Erin Brooker & Greg Westergard will be engineering some kids games starting in the morning and running into the afternoon. We have some special games that will require some participation from some of elder ancestors of the assembly. Negotiations are ongoing to see if Emily Brooker will be involved with this faction of the BRW...

Saturday evening brings the dinner at the Raccoon Valley Golf Club in the south part of Jefferson just off of Highway 4. Their address is 501 W Greenewood Rd and phone is 515-386-4178.

On Sunday morning, Keri Jane has a continental breakfast planned. Church is available. Keri will be playing the organ at the Presbyterian Church for those that would like to attend at our church. No other formal events are planned for Sunday at this time other than Coffee and Conversation Time at the Hacienda.

Looking forward to seeing everyone... Leo

This is Emily Brooker, daughter of Leo & Keri.... (with her cousin Molly)...

Emily graduated from Creighton University a year ago in Omaha, NE.

Emily has not gotten to know the Brooker Family very well and would love to see recent family photos of everyone that can either send them to
Leo@Brookerandcompany.com ....

Emily will be at the Reunion, so please give her a preview of your family... any photos from years ago that you would share of the family would be great also... See you all soon...

From Steve Brooker

My wife Peggy and I and our 3 sons, Nicholas, Todd, and Joseph are
planning on coming up on August 8th for the Brooker reunion.

I've got a couple of pictures I've grabbed up off of my computer. One of
my mom and I and another one of my family from Xmas 2006 that's a little
fuzzy.

Steve Brooker