Raintree Nursery

I haven't had the pleasure to visit this nursery in person - I've only used their mail order service. I've purchased boysenberry vines, a strawberry tree and several other ornamental plants from them. Their plants were shipped promptly, well packaged and were very healthy when they arrived.

They have a great catalogue to shop from which you can order on line at their web-site. I would prefer to visit them in person, but it's a bit of a drive for me - so ordering is the next best thing.

Maple Grove K-8 School

My daughter went to Maple Grove for 1st grade (has since moved to Tukes Valley down the road). I was very intimidated by the size of this school at first and all the bad press the district gets for board and bond issues. But in the school itself I found a principle, vice principle, staff and teachers who work very hard and care a great deal about the kids.

Despite the size of the school and the number of kids who go there, it still has a small town feel to it. We are equally as happy at the new school which is closer to our home, but wouldn't hesitate to return to Maple Grove if we ever had to.

Michael A. Urig, MD

Dr. Urig was my OB/GYN for both of my children (we have since moved to the northwest). Both kids were planned c-sections; the first because of a breach position and the second by choice. I was glad that Dr. Urig allowed me to chose a c-section for the second delivery rather than trying to discourage me or talk me into a VBAC which I didn't want. He is a very skilled surgeon and both deliveries went quickly and without any problems.

If you're looking for a good OB/GYN, I would highly recommend Dr. Urig - you can see him at either the Ahwatukee or Phoenix offices.

Marcus, Barry, Md - Arizona Children's Heart Ctr

My son started seeing Dr. Marcus when he was about 4 months old. We saw him every 6 months for the next 4 years until his heart condition healed on its own. Dr. Marcus is careful in his scheduling so that you are never rushed and have all the time you need to be with the doctor, ask any questions you may have and have his full undivided attention during your appointment. You never feel rushed and he makes you feel that his time with your child is the most important thing he is doing all day.

He looks a bit like Howard Stern with the heart of a lion. I cannot say enough good things about this doctor - we just loved him. If you find your child as a patient of Dr. Marcus, know that you are in competent and caring hands and will be well taken care of.

Julie L. Peterson, MD

Dr. Peterson was our children's pediatrician for the first 5 years of their lives (we have since moved to the northwest). She was very gentle, great with kids and very thorough. When she wasn't in I would sometimes have to see another pediatrician, but really felt Dr. Peterson was the best. My son had a couple of road bumps his first few years of life and she helped coordinate the proper specialists to help him through his problems. I would highly recommend her if you are looking for a pediatrician.

Dulvick, Roger J, DDS Dulvick Dentistry

This is a husband/wife dental team. I've had both of them work on my and like them equally. They are very gentle and take the time to listen to their patients. They usually call me at home the evening after I have a procedure done there (usually replacing fillings) to make sure I'm doing all right - and it's the dentist that calls, not one of the nurses or office staff.

We have since moved to the northwest, but for about 5 years both my husband and I went to this office and would be there still if we lived in the greater Phoenix area.

Geoffrey E. Baum, MD

I went to Dr. Baum with a knee problem that two other very well respected orthopedists (one in Phoenix and one in Vancouver, WA) were unable to help me with at all - told me nothing was wrong. I had this knee pain for almost 4 years - no one could find what was wrong or fix it. It took Dr. Baum about 30 minutes in his office - and at first he also was stumped - but he didn't give up - and he figured out what was wrong. Treatment was very easy and fast - an injection. It was a miracle. My knee was fixed - with one office visit. In addition to being a great doctor technically, he has a wonderful bedside manner and didn't mind that I had to bring my 4 year old son with me at the time. I would highly recommend this doctor.

Silver Dragon Restaurant

This is an "okay" Chinese food restaurant. Parking can be a challenge but not impossible. The restaurant is no frills but the service is fast and friendly. I had their sweet & sour chicken when I went. The chicken actually looked and tasted like chicken - not a "mystery meat" as it does at some Chinese restaurants. But their was something missing - it just seemed a bit plain - the way some buffet restaurants seem a bit plain - or try to cater to much to the masses. I guess that's it - it just seemed to be lacking in personality. So definitely not my first choice for Chinese food, but decent food at decent prices.

Pizza Factory

Detroit Pizza makes good pizza - my husbands favorite, especially their sauce. But they have no sit down area - take out or delivery only and it's pretty expensive. If it's just for me/hubby, we'll occasionally eat their pizza, but if we add in the kids, Domino's wins hands down. We also found it annoying that for delivery, they will deliver to one side of our street but not the other.

They definitely have a more "gourmet" pizza than the chains, but you will pay for it. They do send out coupons in the mail occasionally, which helps with their prices.

Hockinson Kountry Cafe

This is a cute little restaurant in Hockinson. The only problem I have with it is that it is usually so busy that you have to wait for a table and parking can be challenging. This is because the food is good, prices are very reasonable and the next closest restaurant is either Vancouver or Battle Ground. But if you have the time and patience, it's worth a visit.