Illinois Valley News

With this issue of St. Patrick“s Day, March 17, 2010;

Illinois Valley News begins its 73rd year of continuous publication, and the birthday of my partner and wife, Jan. And this year, as of February, marks the beginning of the 24th consecutive year of the community newspaper being co-published by Bob & Jan Rodriguez.

Some probably recall that we purchased the newspaper from another Bob & Jan; Bob & Jan Grant to be specific. So here we go with another 52 issues. Week after week, our super staff strives with us to produce an informative and interesting newspaper.

We“re open to suggestions (the so-called “constructive criticism“). Plus we appreciate those who not only take the time to let us know what they think, but actually sign their name. Overall, we“re doing OK despite the weak economy. But enough seriousness.

Been spending time with two of the grandchildren, Natalie, 7, and Ella, who“ll be 5 in May. Our daughter, Vicki, went on a short trip, so we“re “baby-sitting“ down in Carlsbad in San Diego County. It“s an interesting experience. Interesting in the sense of: Is there a child psychologist in the house“

You know, sibling rivalry. But it“s fun nonetheless. Entertaining even. For example: Ever have a couple of moppets try to convince you that a nutritious breakfast consists of chocolate doughnuts, cinnamon doughnuts, chocolate milk and a Tiger“s Milk bar“

How about playing Monopoly with the 4-year-old, and she wants to be the banker“ Then just when the game gets going, she becomes bored and slightly nuts. But that was fun too, simply watching her dance around and make funny faces.

One unusual part of the game was when Natalie came downstairs, sat on the couch, and the whole box of Monopoly money scattered itself all over the floor. Additionally, Charlie the Cat decided he wanted to lie on the board. Kinda“ messed up the game.

One day (but not with Charlie) we all went to Oceanside and took the Sprinter to Escondido. The commuter train goes through Vista and San Marcos on the way to Escondido. It was eye-opening. For although I am aware of the growth in San Diego County, it becomes much more apparent when you have the time to leisurely view it from a train; and can compare it to the way it was in late 1979, just prior to our moving to Brookings, Ore.

Of course, everyone who reads these wanderings of mine knows that I“m into nostalgia. Just for a kick, we walked a few blocks from the Escondido station looking for Estrada“s Mexican restaurant on Quince Street. It“s still there; still run by the same family; and the food is still outstanding. Now, that“s nostalgia at its finest.

Also, the round-trip fare from Oceanside to Escondido was only 10 bucks for four of us. That“s a real deal. Better than a box of Monopoly money, I“ll tell you.

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