Know Your Neighbor: Karla Brooks

Karla Brooks, 52, of Dixon, is married to Everette Brooks, 72. They own Flowers, Etc. in Dixon, and have a son, Kole Knack-Broos, 17, a senior at Newman Central Catholic High School. Everette also has two grown children: Aline Brannon of Cameron, Okla. and Sarah Kent of Dixon.

Pets: Two dogs, Rubby and McKale; four cats, Murry, Mimi, Muffin and Buckley.

Alma Mater: Dixon High School, Class of 1978.

What do you like to do? Garden and travel. But we don’t get to do that much anymore.

On the job lesson: If you have a good work ethic, you normally have a good family life. too.

Motto: God first, family second. All else falls into place.

Favorite TV show: “The Voice.”

Heroes: Ronald Regan and John Wayne.

First job: I worked at Parkway in Dixon at age 16. It was good. I’m a people person.

First car: 1978 maroon Oldsmobile Cutlass.

Favorite food: Italian.

What’s on your iPod or CD player: Right now, Whitney Houston.

Favorite sports team: Chicago Bulls.

Favorite charity: Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home.

Haunts: Galena. My husband and I went there several times. It’s a quaint little town.

Guilty pleasures: Coffee and chocolate.

Read this: “Winners Never Cheat Even in Difficult Times” by Jon M. Huntsman.

What makes your blood boil? Impolite people.

In the dictionary next to: Workaholic.

Best thing about Dixon: The hominess of it. We all know each other and support each other.

I’d like to meet: John Wayne. My father looked like him and he’s the actor of my choice.

Trading spaces: Rome.

Personal trivia: I have a twin sister, Karen Knack of Dixon.

Shout out to: My son, Kole.