Did you know that leap years are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth’s revolutions around the sun? If we did not add a day every 4 years, we would lose almost six hours off our calendar each year. Your chances of being born on Leap Day are 1 in 1,461.

I was thinking about “loyalty” the other day—customer loyalty. In the private money lending business, you would think that there is not much loyalty with borrowers wanting the “best deal” and lenders wanting an above-average rate of return. However, our company is fortunate, as we pride ourselves on our customer/client loyalty. They trust us to do our job and communicate clearly with them. This type of relationship allows me to occasionally take a break from work, as I have a great, well-trained office staff to handle business in my absence. So, speaking of being absent . . .

I’m getting ready to head off to the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe this weekend, for an annual ski week, guys only. It is great to see some “winter-like” weather and some good snow fall in the mountains, as we really need it.

I recently vistied Arizona for a family matter and noticed that their gasoline prices are significantly cheaper, $3.35 per gallon for regular.  The prices in Sonoma County vary by 10 to 25 cents per gallon by location, for an average of $3.99 per gallon for regular.  The prices will probably go much higher.  Don’t you love how Wall Street Traders and Financial Speculators/Investors are a large reason and major factor in your gas prices?  Do you ever wish you, as an individual, could have a major impact on Wall Street Traders?

Do you have a PG&E SmartMeter installed at your home?  We do but apparently it is not “on-line” yet, as we still have a meter-reader person come once a month; we were told that there needs to be a larger block of residences in our area before we are brought “on-line”.  A recent article indicates you can Opt-Out of having a wireless meter for a one-time cost of $75, plus a monthly charge of $10.         

There is a Cheese Conference in Sonoma from Saturday February 25th through February 29th, call 707-935-7960; Redwood Chorale sings Kate Wolf in Santa Rosa on February 25th & February 26th, call 707-874-3770; or free music on the plaza in Healdsburg on Sunday February 26th, call 707-921-2893.

With the recent death of a famous singer, I was thinking of people who have the “IT” Factor – those with a natural-born ability to excel in their field; i.e. singers, painters, scientists, athletes, actors. Some folks make the most of their ability, live productive lives, give back to the community; Tom Hanks, Einstein, Pavaroti, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods. Then, there are folks who are unable to feel worthy of their talent and struggle with demons, or those that have the incredible talent but choose not to pursue that field. And then, there is the rest of us—regular people who do their best at their job or hobby/sport or even farming.

There are times when I wish I was better at golf but I am very good at finance and looking at issues “outside the box”, so if you are a potential borrower that has real estate to use as collateral, please give me a call.

Lots of activities this weekend – Cloverdale Citrus Fair Feb. 17 thru 20th, call 707-894-3992; Mardi Gras Ball, Santa Rosa, Feb. 18th, call 707-331-4162 or Olive Season Finale on Feb. 18 & 19th, Sonoma, call 707-940-4025.

The New England Patriots lost to the NY Giants and one of the broadcasters asked Tom Brady “is there anything worse than losing the Super Bowl?” His comment was – “Yes, not being able to play in the Super Bowl”.

Even though you lose at something, doesn’t mean you didn’t actually win because you had the opportunity to participate. Perhaps that is the difference between a glass being half full or half empty. If we viewed opportunities to participate as wins, perhaps we might get more opportunities.

I just returned from a Private Money Lending Conference; they are held quarterly, for 2 full days each. We had about 200 participants, who come from all over California. They are Owners, Loan Agents and/or employees of Private Money Companies/Lenders. The conference covers topics such as legal updates, environmental issues, loan negotiation and loan documentation. All private money lenders would like an opportunity to participate, in looking at potential loans to fund, as often as possible. So, you borrowers out there, give us a call and . . . . bring it on.

If you get a chance, take in a free concert in Healdsburg, Feb. 10th, call 707-524-8700; another free event, Olive Festival in Sonoma on Feb. 11th, call 707-933-3010.

A boost to Sonoma County should be the forecast of increased grape prices in 2012 to the growers.  The supply of wine grapes has not kept pace nor will it for the next few years, with the demand;  Mother Nature has played havoc with the grapes, either with unexpected heat or early rains, the past few years.  The wine industry is a large part of the economy in Sonoma County, even the SRJC has Shone Farm Winery as part of the college’s winemaking and viticulture training program.  The SRJC currently sells between 300 and 400 cases annually on the Internet  and local stores; gross sales top $86,000/year.  The Shone Farm consists of 365 acres and is a different source of funding for the college—badly needed in the dwindling amount of funds available for education from the California legislature.

A lot of people will be watching the Super Bowl this weekend, including me.  I look forward to the commercials every year, where advertisers pay a pile of money for 30 to 60 seconds of air time.  Who says we are in a recession? 

Starting February 27^th through March 4^th, it is Restaurant Week here in Sonoma County.  This is the 3^rd year and over 100 restaurants participate.  Go to www.sonomacountyrestaurantweek.org and make your reservations ahead of time.