Headwaters is an iconic “local” bar/pub/pool hall combined with a pizzeria; located close to Lake Wenatchee, Washington. Small hometown feel, cheerful, and humorous conversations. Headwaters is very popular with the locals and repeat tourists to the area. The pizza never disappoints, although, in the pricey range for pizza (but not for bar food), the pizza always tastes great. If you like leftover pizza, be sure to order the large size, Headwaters' pizza is some of the best leftover pizza I've enjoyed.
Don't let the outside appearance fool you, ignore the peeling paint on the building, the inside is clean and well kept although it's obvious the building is old.
Great food, they serve alcoholic beverages, decent prices, and great customer interaction. Nice place to shoot pool or watch a game.
The Rickster
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Toshi’s Teriyaki, Everett, Washington
Located in a little strip mall off Everett Mall Way, Toshi’s is easy to miss if you don’t look closely. The food had good flavor and was warm to hot, not piping hot in temperature, but we enjoyed the food. We had the teriyaki chicken and have to say it was some of the best we have had throughout the year. The restaurant was clean and the aroma of teriyaki was enticing. The staff was friendly and worked happily.
The Rickster
Friday, August 17, 2018
The Cove Resort Fish Lake
The Cove Resort, Fish Lake, Plain, Leavenworth, Washington. The Cove is located on Fish Lake, only a few miles from Lake Wenatchee about 30 minutes Northeast of Leavenworth WA.
I remember coming here as a kid, now 40 years later, still a favorite place to go. Our kids loved going to The Cove for fishing and camping and they too still visit The Cove. The staff and owners are always friendly and helpful. Campsites, dock, and the store are always clean. The owners promote a friendly and family-oriented atmosphere. Spend a few bucks and fish from the dock for the day, rent a boat or camp for a few days, several options to choose from. When you're done fishing for the day or taking a break, there is a fish cleaning station for your use. Have your own boat? The Cove also has a boat launch.
The Cove is about family and friends. The cost of fishing from their dock or launching your boat is very inexpensive. The Cove’s owners want you, your family and friends to have fun, that’s what it’s all about. It is truly still the same "old-time" family lake resort.
The Rickster
I remember coming here as a kid, now 40 years later, still a favorite place to go. Our kids loved going to The Cove for fishing and camping and they too still visit The Cove. The staff and owners are always friendly and helpful. Campsites, dock, and the store are always clean. The owners promote a friendly and family-oriented atmosphere. Spend a few bucks and fish from the dock for the day, rent a boat or camp for a few days, several options to choose from. When you're done fishing for the day or taking a break, there is a fish cleaning station for your use. Have your own boat? The Cove also has a boat launch.
The Cove is about family and friends. The cost of fishing from their dock or launching your boat is very inexpensive. The Cove’s owners want you, your family and friends to have fun, that’s what it’s all about. It is truly still the same "old-time" family lake resort.
The Rickster
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Wok ‘N Roll Asian Express Wenatchee, Washington
The Wok ‘N Roll is located in a strip mall at fifth and Mission in Wenatchee, Washington.
The Wok 'N Roll serves up the best Chinese food in the Wenatchee Valley. The food is always hot, fresh, and full of flavor. Eat-in or take out. Fair warning, there is not a lot of seating in the restaurant but the tables have never been full when we have been to the Wok 'N Roll. We normally spend about $40 but we have enough leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
We have noticed, at least it appears, most of the customers get take out. Whatever your favorite Chinese entrée is, I'm sure you will enjoy theirs the best. If you order the Honey Walnut Shrimp entrée (which is delicious) there is a small upcharge but well worth the couple bucks more.
The Wok ‘N Roll also has a small sushi bar. I’m not into sushi, but my son who is, likes their sushi, said it’s some of the best he’s had outside of Asia.
Everyone we have taken to the Wok 'N Roll has loved it and have returned many times as have we. Service is great, food tastes great and the place is very clean. Highly recommend the Wok 'N Roll.
The Rickster
The Wok 'N Roll serves up the best Chinese food in the Wenatchee Valley. The food is always hot, fresh, and full of flavor. Eat-in or take out. Fair warning, there is not a lot of seating in the restaurant but the tables have never been full when we have been to the Wok 'N Roll. We normally spend about $40 but we have enough leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
We have noticed, at least it appears, most of the customers get take out. Whatever your favorite Chinese entrée is, I'm sure you will enjoy theirs the best. If you order the Honey Walnut Shrimp entrée (which is delicious) there is a small upcharge but well worth the couple bucks more.
The Wok ‘N Roll also has a small sushi bar. I’m not into sushi, but my son who is, likes their sushi, said it’s some of the best he’s had outside of Asia.
Everyone we have taken to the Wok 'N Roll has loved it and have returned many times as have we. Service is great, food tastes great and the place is very clean. Highly recommend the Wok 'N Roll.
The Rickster
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Harvest Valley Pest Control Wenatchee Valley
Do yourself a favor and call Harvest Valley Pest Control first! Excellent Service, Professional, Friendly, Personable.
Our house is located in the Lake Wenatchee, Plain, Leavenworth Upper Valley area. We called Harvest Valley Pest Control after witnessing the owner of another company do a poor job of inspecting our house.
The first company, the owner did not put on coveralls, gloves, or shoe covers for the house inspection because he never crawled under the house for a close look. The company owner stood, peering into the crawl shining his light around under the house, yet reported the house had termites. Then the owner issued an extremely high bid to do the work.
The owner of Harvest Valley Pest Control downed shoe covers, coveralls, gloves, and a hat and then crawled under the house to do the inspection. The owner explained what he was doing, what he was looking for and ways to prevent attracting insects. There is a charge for the inspection, but it is applied to the charge for any pest control work done. The owner was open and honest about the need verse risk; so honest even said it would be a waste for us to have any work done, as we had no problems or signs of possible problems. I highly recommend Harvest Valley Pest Control for any of your pest control needs.
The Rickster
Our house is located in the Lake Wenatchee, Plain, Leavenworth Upper Valley area. We called Harvest Valley Pest Control after witnessing the owner of another company do a poor job of inspecting our house.
The first company, the owner did not put on coveralls, gloves, or shoe covers for the house inspection because he never crawled under the house for a close look. The company owner stood, peering into the crawl shining his light around under the house, yet reported the house had termites. Then the owner issued an extremely high bid to do the work.
The owner of Harvest Valley Pest Control downed shoe covers, coveralls, gloves, and a hat and then crawled under the house to do the inspection. The owner explained what he was doing, what he was looking for and ways to prevent attracting insects. There is a charge for the inspection, but it is applied to the charge for any pest control work done. The owner was open and honest about the need verse risk; so honest even said it would be a waste for us to have any work done, as we had no problems or signs of possible problems. I highly recommend Harvest Valley Pest Control for any of your pest control needs.
The Rickster
Monday, November 6, 2017
Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que, VA
Customer service was top notch! A nice touch was reviewing our order as they bagged it up for us. Building was clean, well kept and smelled wonderful!
The food was great! We had the BBQ pork, BBQ chicken, potato salad and coleslaw. I tend to prefer BBQ sauce on the sweet side, but Pierce's is obviously vinegar based, which I thought was great. Great flavor, good meat (not filled with fat or grisly) and quantity is well worth the price. Next time we are in VA, we will stop by again.
The Rickster
Friday, July 14, 2017
Springfield Armory XD-E
Springfield Armory’s new “external hammer” handgun, the XDE. At a quick glance, it could be mistaken for the XDS, until a closer look reveals there is a hammer, it is not a striker-fired handgun. Whether you are “old school” like me or someone who prefers a striker fire pistol, if you remove all bias and preconceptions, most will agree the XDE is… yes, totally awesome.
Filling the gap
Springfield has produced a sleek, well balanced, medium weight, compact, conceal carry pistol… with an external hammer! Call me “old school” but I do prefer an external hammer rather than a striker fire; that being said, let's take a look at what I found with the XDE.
Back Story
My wife normally carries an S&W/PPK however, because of her arthritis, the slide has become too hard for her to operate. We had been looking at several models for her, after visiting several gun shops, the only handgun she could operate the slide on was the PK380.
As for me, I wanted a new gun. Please note, I did say “wanted” not “needed” a new gun. I was handling, several models, Glock 29, PK380, M&P Shield, and a few others that I immediately set down because of the feel in my hand.
One shop to check out, our favorite, but sometimes their stock is low at least for guns we have been interested in. As we stood at the counter, my wife and I were looking at what was on display. When the salesman heard we were looking at getting a new gun for my wife and the reason why; he immediately showed us the XDE.
The XDE.
SA/DA, hammer-fired, 9+1 or 8+1 magazines (one each comes with a new XDE), ambidextrous safety and magazine release, de-cocker, single stack, polymer frame, dovetail rear sight with fiber optic front sight, textured grip and L.E.S (Low Effort Slide), overall length: 6.75 inches, height: 5 inches and the width: 1 inch.
The XDE in my wife’s hand.
My wife racked the slide, once, twice, three times, and kept going. After racking it six times she turned to me smiling, She loved the feel and fit in her hand, racked the slide not just easily but with no pain (obviously very important).
The thumb safety.
To our surprise.. ambidextrous, easy to reach, and operate. Safety lever all the way up, safety is on, slide down, fire mode, push down again, gun de-cocks and stays in fire mode but double action. A big difference from what both of us are used to, for us, safety and de-cocking happen at the same time with the same lever. The XD-E can be “cocked and locked”. Mean you can put the safety on with the hammer pulled back, or you can "lever" down, de-cocking, and leaving the safety off if your situation warrants this position.
The magazine release.
Again ambidextrous, and in the traditional location; down and back of the trigger. Immediately, my wife was thumbing between mag release and the different positions of the safety lever and smiling.
The slide release.
Left side only but not a big deal considering after popping in a filled magazine, pull back on the slide just a little, release, and it springs forwarding chambering a round, leaving the gun in SA mod. No need for a slide release for self-defense. Please note, chambering can be done with the safety on or off.
The slide, is one of the easiest I have ever pulled other than maybe the PK380 but I have a couple issues with the PK380, still an ok gun though. If anyone has arthritis or any issues with their hands/fingers, they should consider the XDE. – The Rickster
The results
My wife bought the Springfield Armory XDE.
The true test, shooting the XDE.
Shooting
One hundred - fifty rounds by each of us of each: Winchester 115 grain FMJ, American Eagle 115 grain FMJ, Speer Lawman 124 grain TMJ. The XDE chewed through the ammo, not a single fail. Accuracy with no sight adjustments: 3 inches, 2.25 inch, and 1.75 inches respectively of the ammo type. I am not saying one ammo type is or worked better, I believe the difference was my wife getting to know her new XDE.
Trigger
If a person has big or small hands, the reach for the trigger seems to come in a natural position/reach. For my wife and I, no problem, in fact, the trigger reach was comfortable and natural for us. In double-action, the trigger pull is listed 10 to 12 pounds, I think it is closer to 10 pounds. In single action, the tripper pull is listed 4 to 5 pounds, I think it is closer to 4. In either S/A or D/A, the trigger has a smooth, comfortable pull.
Balance
For my wife and I, the balance loaded and unloaded, was very natural, on the draw, and coming up to sight in the target, very natural, smooth, and comfortable.
Grip
For our hands, the grip is comfortable and not too thick or bulky. A slight finger contour gives increased comfort, control, and balance. Definitely, something to mention is the beavertail contour, it is smooth and extremely comfortable for the shooter.
Recoil
I can only compare the recoil with the guns I have fired, I am not going to go with the techy stuff since I know most of us will relate to a comparison. Keep in mind, this is how the results felt to me using the ammo listed above.
XDE vs Smith and Wesson 915 (all metal, alloy frame), XDE 20-25% less
XDE vs S&W/Walther PPK380 (all steel) XDE 30% less
XDE vs Glock 19 9mm (polymer frame) XDE 25% less
XDE vs Glock 29 10mm (polymer frame) XDE 30-35% less
XDE vs Kimber 1911 45ACP (all steel) XDE 30% less
Recommendation
I ordered my XDE the following day of shooting, I pick it up in a few days. Yes, I would recommend the XDE for the novice and the expert shooter. As a conceal carry, I believe it is a good size, not too heavy (25 oz.), the design and finish of the hammer will not be a concern as a CCP. As a range gun, I found the XDE fun to shoot, comfortable; even after 150 rounds the beavertail design and contour left no wear and tear on my hand as some other guns have done.
Feel free to leave comments and please follow me for more reviews.
The Rickster
#concealcarry #Springfield #XDE
Filling the gap
Springfield has produced a sleek, well balanced, medium weight, compact, conceal carry pistol… with an external hammer! Call me “old school” but I do prefer an external hammer rather than a striker fire; that being said, let's take a look at what I found with the XDE.
Back Story
My wife normally carries an S&W/PPK however, because of her arthritis, the slide has become too hard for her to operate. We had been looking at several models for her, after visiting several gun shops, the only handgun she could operate the slide on was the PK380.
As for me, I wanted a new gun. Please note, I did say “wanted” not “needed” a new gun. I was handling, several models, Glock 29, PK380, M&P Shield, and a few others that I immediately set down because of the feel in my hand.
One shop to check out, our favorite, but sometimes their stock is low at least for guns we have been interested in. As we stood at the counter, my wife and I were looking at what was on display. When the salesman heard we were looking at getting a new gun for my wife and the reason why; he immediately showed us the XDE.
The XDE.
SA/DA, hammer-fired, 9+1 or 8+1 magazines (one each comes with a new XDE), ambidextrous safety and magazine release, de-cocker, single stack, polymer frame, dovetail rear sight with fiber optic front sight, textured grip and L.E.S (Low Effort Slide), overall length: 6.75 inches, height: 5 inches and the width: 1 inch.
The XDE in my wife’s hand.
My wife racked the slide, once, twice, three times, and kept going. After racking it six times she turned to me smiling, She loved the feel and fit in her hand, racked the slide not just easily but with no pain (obviously very important).
The thumb safety.
To our surprise.. ambidextrous, easy to reach, and operate. Safety lever all the way up, safety is on, slide down, fire mode, push down again, gun de-cocks and stays in fire mode but double action. A big difference from what both of us are used to, for us, safety and de-cocking happen at the same time with the same lever. The XD-E can be “cocked and locked”. Mean you can put the safety on with the hammer pulled back, or you can "lever" down, de-cocking, and leaving the safety off if your situation warrants this position.
The magazine release.
Again ambidextrous, and in the traditional location; down and back of the trigger. Immediately, my wife was thumbing between mag release and the different positions of the safety lever and smiling.
The slide release.
Left side only but not a big deal considering after popping in a filled magazine, pull back on the slide just a little, release, and it springs forwarding chambering a round, leaving the gun in SA mod. No need for a slide release for self-defense. Please note, chambering can be done with the safety on or off.
The slide, is one of the easiest I have ever pulled other than maybe the PK380 but I have a couple issues with the PK380, still an ok gun though. If anyone has arthritis or any issues with their hands/fingers, they should consider the XDE. – The Rickster
The results
My wife bought the Springfield Armory XDE.
The true test, shooting the XDE.
Shooting
One hundred - fifty rounds by each of us of each: Winchester 115 grain FMJ, American Eagle 115 grain FMJ, Speer Lawman 124 grain TMJ. The XDE chewed through the ammo, not a single fail. Accuracy with no sight adjustments: 3 inches, 2.25 inch, and 1.75 inches respectively of the ammo type. I am not saying one ammo type is or worked better, I believe the difference was my wife getting to know her new XDE.
Trigger
If a person has big or small hands, the reach for the trigger seems to come in a natural position/reach. For my wife and I, no problem, in fact, the trigger reach was comfortable and natural for us. In double-action, the trigger pull is listed 10 to 12 pounds, I think it is closer to 10 pounds. In single action, the tripper pull is listed 4 to 5 pounds, I think it is closer to 4. In either S/A or D/A, the trigger has a smooth, comfortable pull.
Balance
For my wife and I, the balance loaded and unloaded, was very natural, on the draw, and coming up to sight in the target, very natural, smooth, and comfortable.
Grip
For our hands, the grip is comfortable and not too thick or bulky. A slight finger contour gives increased comfort, control, and balance. Definitely, something to mention is the beavertail contour, it is smooth and extremely comfortable for the shooter.
Recoil
I can only compare the recoil with the guns I have fired, I am not going to go with the techy stuff since I know most of us will relate to a comparison. Keep in mind, this is how the results felt to me using the ammo listed above.
XDE vs Smith and Wesson 915 (all metal, alloy frame), XDE 20-25% less
XDE vs S&W/Walther PPK380 (all steel) XDE 30% less
XDE vs Glock 19 9mm (polymer frame) XDE 25% less
XDE vs Glock 29 10mm (polymer frame) XDE 30-35% less
XDE vs Kimber 1911 45ACP (all steel) XDE 30% less
Recommendation
I ordered my XDE the following day of shooting, I pick it up in a few days. Yes, I would recommend the XDE for the novice and the expert shooter. As a conceal carry, I believe it is a good size, not too heavy (25 oz.), the design and finish of the hammer will not be a concern as a CCP. As a range gun, I found the XDE fun to shoot, comfortable; even after 150 rounds the beavertail design and contour left no wear and tear on my hand as some other guns have done.
Feel free to leave comments and please follow me for more reviews.
The Rickster
#concealcarry #Springfield #XDE
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Bob’s Burgers and Brews East Wenatchee, WA
Our first time to Bob's Burgers and Brews. It was awesome! None of this 1/4 lb. burgers, Bob's hamburger patties are 6 oz! Even the double patty burgers are 6 oz. per patty. Quantity of food, well, there is a reason for "to-go boxes".
At first glance, the prices seemed a little high but once we got our food, we understood. No one in town has food that tastes as good or serves the large quantity Bob's does. It took a while to decide what to get, everything on the menu looked so good.
Another nice "feature" is you can choose your side that comes with your meal; fries, onion rings (small upcharge $1), dinner salad, potato salad. I had onion rings and they were great. Lightly battered compared to others and not full of grease.
The staff were very polite, checked on us regularly to make sure everything was good, or if there was something else we needed. Nice atmosphere, warm, friendly, and inviting. The quantity of food, flavor, options, and service, well worth the money. We were not disappointed at all.
The Rickster
At first glance, the prices seemed a little high but once we got our food, we understood. No one in town has food that tastes as good or serves the large quantity Bob's does. It took a while to decide what to get, everything on the menu looked so good.
Another nice "feature" is you can choose your side that comes with your meal; fries, onion rings (small upcharge $1), dinner salad, potato salad. I had onion rings and they were great. Lightly battered compared to others and not full of grease.
The staff were very polite, checked on us regularly to make sure everything was good, or if there was something else we needed. Nice atmosphere, warm, friendly, and inviting. The quantity of food, flavor, options, and service, well worth the money. We were not disappointed at all.
The Rickster
Maymont Manor Mansion–Park Richmond, VA
Maymont Manor Mansion and Park is not just a historic site. The Mansion is much the way it was when the original owners passed away and left the Mansion to the city of Richmond, Virginia in 1925.
Whether you are a history buff, someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, a collector of antiques, or love elegance, the Mansion tour is a must! The grounds sport several gardens containing a lot of original trees, bushes, and flowers planted in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
With 100 acres to explore, I recommend planning on spending the whole day. A lot of walking is involved but there is plenty of open fields and benches here and there to take a break if you need to. If you are not up for a lot of walking, there are several parking lots located around the park to get you close as possible to your desired entrance.
Sounds expensive? It's not! Upon entering the park, there is a request for a donation, a suggestion of $5 per person. The same donation is suggested for touring inside the Maymont Mansion.
This is not a historical site as with many places in VA; it is not the site of a major Civil War battle or the home of a former president. The mansion was one of the first homes in the state with electricity and indoor plumbing and was built in the late 1800s.
The mansion contains original furniture, fixtures, china, clothing; not items that were brought in because they were popular for the era and may have been used by Mr. and Mrs. James Dooley (original owners/builders). And that to me is a big part of what made the experience so great. We were looking at items from the late 1800s to early 1900s that were actually used by the Dooleys.
Being of great wealth, the Dooleys had access to items only societies elite could afford. The craftsmanship of all the woodwork, done by hand (remember the era) and hand paintings on the ceilings are unbelievable. Even our 10-year-old granddaughter was amazed and extremely intrigued by the tour and the information given to us by Susan S. our tour guide.
The park is a work of art in itself. Cement pillars and blocks, cobblestone, numerous water features, and gazebos; exotic trees, bushes, flowers, and herbs throughout the park even including a rose bush planted in 1911. Most of the plant life was brought into the country by the Dooleys from many of their trips to Europe. We are talking plants over 100 years old, not just trees!
And don't forget to stop by the petting zoo for the kids. There are a few outbuildings including the stables and carriage house. Sorry, but no, the animals in the zoo are not 100 years old.
Remember, to tour the mansion you have to sign up in the little gift shop in the basement of the mansion. Also, once you spend the time, think about donating again. It is very inexpensive yet loaded with information, entertainment, and breathtaking sites. Visiting Maymont Mansion and park was the best we experienced during our VA vacation.
The Rickster
Whether you are a history buff, someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, a collector of antiques, or love elegance, the Mansion tour is a must! The grounds sport several gardens containing a lot of original trees, bushes, and flowers planted in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
With 100 acres to explore, I recommend planning on spending the whole day. A lot of walking is involved but there is plenty of open fields and benches here and there to take a break if you need to. If you are not up for a lot of walking, there are several parking lots located around the park to get you close as possible to your desired entrance.
Sounds expensive? It's not! Upon entering the park, there is a request for a donation, a suggestion of $5 per person. The same donation is suggested for touring inside the Maymont Mansion.
This is not a historical site as with many places in VA; it is not the site of a major Civil War battle or the home of a former president. The mansion was one of the first homes in the state with electricity and indoor plumbing and was built in the late 1800s.
The mansion contains original furniture, fixtures, china, clothing; not items that were brought in because they were popular for the era and may have been used by Mr. and Mrs. James Dooley (original owners/builders). And that to me is a big part of what made the experience so great. We were looking at items from the late 1800s to early 1900s that were actually used by the Dooleys.
Being of great wealth, the Dooleys had access to items only societies elite could afford. The craftsmanship of all the woodwork, done by hand (remember the era) and hand paintings on the ceilings are unbelievable. Even our 10-year-old granddaughter was amazed and extremely intrigued by the tour and the information given to us by Susan S. our tour guide.
The park is a work of art in itself. Cement pillars and blocks, cobblestone, numerous water features, and gazebos; exotic trees, bushes, flowers, and herbs throughout the park even including a rose bush planted in 1911. Most of the plant life was brought into the country by the Dooleys from many of their trips to Europe. We are talking plants over 100 years old, not just trees!
And don't forget to stop by the petting zoo for the kids. There are a few outbuildings including the stables and carriage house. Sorry, but no, the animals in the zoo are not 100 years old.
Remember, to tour the mansion you have to sign up in the little gift shop in the basement of the mansion. Also, once you spend the time, think about donating again. It is very inexpensive yet loaded with information, entertainment, and breathtaking sites. Visiting Maymont Mansion and park was the best we experienced during our VA vacation.
The Rickster
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)