A year ago today...

September 27, 2009 may not resonate with anyone else, in contrast to September 11, 2001 or other events that have taken place in the month of September. For me, September has many important dates--our Anniversary is the 23rd (Happy 4th!), my son Joey's birthday is the 29th (still can't believe that he'll be 18 this year!) but the date that has been on my mind all day is 9/27/09.

As the calendar goes, I woke up on that Sunday morning without a care in the world. Susie and I surely sat down with the paper and had coffee as we tend to do; we might have even taken a walk with the puppies. Later on I know that I must have been doing some cleaning as well because I know from the receipt that I went to the Thrift Store to donate some unwanted household items--not that I need the receipt to remind me. Every time I am in that parking lot I think of the call from my sister telling me that my Dad was in the ICU. The first thing you think about when you hear 'he's been intubated' is that it can't be good.

When your sister is a doctor you tend to take on more of a 'wait and see' attitude (e.g. 'do I need to be worried?'). Typically if something was wrong with Dad she was a good filter and broke it down to simple terms. I was worried, but at that point it didn't look bad enough to be told 'head to Kentucky.. NOW. So I went home and even changed the filters in the furnace units, but I couldn't stop thinking that things were going to be worse. I eventually got the call that it was indeed time to head home; packing was a mess as I fell apart. Susie was nervous that I couldn't even drive in that condition. I managed to pull it together but I can't tell you anything about my drive home. It's typically about 5.5 hours; I guess that's how long it took. Regardless, I got there sometime around now (9:30 as I type).

Mom was being supported by 2 couples that have been long-time friends and her minister. We couldn't go back to the ICU as they were trying to do something related to filtering his blood as it was determined that he had sepsis due to an infection. He woke up 'babbling' early Sunday and Mom called an ambulance.

How did we get here? He wasn't feeling well Saturday--when I spoke with him he just sounded tired. It was very random that I even spoke to him--I called Mom at home to ask her a question and we both had to rush to get off the phone--I was at a store and she was on her way out. After I left the store, I called her cell and spoke to Dad--for whatever reason they had traded phones that afternoon--she had his, he had hers. In all honesty I never would have spoken to him if it wasn't for that fact. He had an 'order' of wine (several cases to bring home later that week) and I was happy to tell him I had what he asked me to get.

We got to go into the ICU; despite the tube and breathing apparatus it was still my Dad, wires and all. I spoke to him and touched his hands and rubbed his head. No response, of course, but it felt right. They needed to do something else with him so we were back into the waiting room. After a while (10-ish?) my sister showed up (they were coming from SC). When we got back into the ICU she got to do her doctor thing and got to hear all the options and what had happened so far. Sooner or later the 'daughter' wore off (what else can be done?) and the 'doctor' kicked back in (reality check) and she realized what I already knew in my heart--this was nearing the end.

At that point I will never forget the final events... My sister, brother-in-law and Mom were gathered around his bed. Elizabeth said "Daddy, Mom's here, I'm here, Gary's here and Bo's here. We're going to take great care of Mom". With that, his ridiculously low blood pressure (but steady) began to drop--almost on cue. I remember the numbers dropping so quickly and then it was over... just 4 stunned adults facing their loss and machines continuing to try to breathe for him.

Begrudgingly, we left while they 'cleaned him up' and removed the wires, tubes and artificial 'stuff' that did what they could to keep him alive. Returning, he seemed at peace and as if sleeping. We all said our goodbyes, and kissed him a few last times. It seems so odd to me that I clearly remember how warm his neck was, even though he was gone...

As this was month-end, my small real estate firm was busy with closings and Susie could not leave until the 30th. I think that was the worst--missing my family and feeling alone in my thoughts. It was nice seeing some of the string of family friends and visitors--and I must admit I enjoyed all the food people brought. In fact, it was all like a typical Wagner party--except the jovial host was not there. When Joey, Julia and Susie made it I was so relieved and promptly fell apart again--though they gave me much strength. I needed it in order to eulogize my Dad. I don't know how Elizabeth and I did it, but oddly enough I always knew that someday my Dad would pass and someday I would say something along the lines of "Dad always said 'Bo's never had a bad day in his life'; well today, this is a bad day, Dad." Today I must smile, remember my Dad and raise a glass to Frank W. Wagner, Jr. May God rest your soul. I miss you Dad... I love you...

To my family and friends, God bless you and thank you for your support at that time and now as we remember him, a year ago today.

What is a Libertarian?

My Mom faxed this article from today's USA Today from Rand Paul, who is running for the US Senate in Kentucky. I know nothing about him other than this article and I heard/read somewhere that he recently said some silly things that seemed bigoted. Not judging on that 'stuff' or even commenting on it, but really read that article and tell me where you can find much fault?

Personally, I think that the Government is causing a lot of our issues right now. Most of my economic commentary is found on my Economics blog, but this one is a bit more Political. Yes, the Economy is kind of 'stuck' right now. But think of this-would YOU want to hire anyone right now? There are so many governmental regulations coming down the road, such as the health care legislation. There are rumblings about raising the minimum wage (actually, indexing the minimum wage with inflation, which will serve to raise the wage). The "George Bush Tax Cuts" are set to expire and that may have some effect on hiring (I have read articles on both sides of this; some 'Pro-expiration' and some 'Anti-expiration' and both sides actually have merit).

With the Government takeover of Wall Street companies as well as at GM we have unprecedented meddling into private enterprise (ditto for the new 'banking bill'). Oh, and evil BP had to cough up $20B (that's the big B for Billion) 'up front' for the disaster in the Gulf--while it may be warranted ($3B has been paid out I believe) it's bizarre to see a Government go after a Company in this manner. What I'm trying to say is that there is too much Government interference in our lives. Even the most Liberal among us can admit that SOMETHING in their life has been affected by Governmental regulations--to their detriment. How about LESS Government?

You can blame 'de-regulation' for many economic woes; you can blame too little oversight for the mortgage meltdown--if you dig a little deeper it's not just Wall Street that's to blame--try our Government and the 'goal' of putting more people in houses dating back to the late 1990's. That's a self-serving goal for me as well (as a real estate attorney and as the son of a builder) but some of these buyers weren't ready for home ownership (or had loans that were higher than they should have had, etc.). I guess look at it this way--if you made $3000 per month, would you try to take on a mortgage that would be $2800 per month? If you wanted to walk everywhere, have no money for furnishings or entertainment and eat Ramen noodles daily, maybe you would go for that deal. I would think that would be setting up a failure!

Try taking this quiz--you may find out you are a Libertarian as well! (I was!) Does that mean that we all want to legalize marijuana (one of the Libertarian Party's stated platform items)? Not really, but "Less Government" is the main focus for me--is the Libertarian Party or Tea Party "THE" answer? Not so much. But I am certainly NOT a Democrat and I don't feel the Republicans have truly represented me at all in the last several years, so where to go? THAT's the main Q I have. Sigh...

Top Real Estate Investor Blogs

Take a glance at this blog post for some awesome links--123Flip is a fave (and a friend) so I know this posting is true :) Kudos to J! Cheers, Bo

Happy B-day Susie!

With apologies to Beyonce, we are celebrating a "b-day" today (7-29)--my business partner's. No, not my fellow "name on the door" partner Jeff Harris, but the birthday of my lifetime business partner Susie. Why business partner? WHAT business? Like the Godfather, Family business! While she does keep our real estate closing business running smoothly (pre-closer, closer, accountant, payroll, office manager, customer service rep, etc. etc.) she is also responsible for the success of our family business.

As noted in my last newsletter, Susie is a great Mom and is very organized. She has pretty much run her own show since her late teens and has been in the real estate business her entire life, beginning her career in the 1980's with the late Michael Sellers. She has never lived in an apartment and bought her first home before she was 21--she really understands real estate and all that it takes to make a closing run smoothly. As for our family, she has her priorities right and keeps our house humming with efficiency. A true multi-tasker, she keeps our work schedule straight, our "kid schedule" straight and our social engagements in line--each Sunday she even sorts out a menu and plans our shopping list for the week! I am the designated sous-chef, though I sometimes 'pinch hit' for her when she's out (in fact, pray for me tonight as I try to make 'something' for the first time; ask me about it tomorrow)--she is awesome with recipes, assembly instructions, (patience) sewing instructions, baking instructions (and closing instructions of course). I hope I am getting across that she is an awesome lady! Please join me in wishing Susie Wagner a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

"Reality" TV

Like many people, we have a DVR for recording our favorite television shows. And from time to time, we get 'behind' and have to catch up. Two of our favorite shows hit pretty close to home for me in the last week or two. Modern Family recently wrapped up its first season by taking the family to Hawaii. As we started watching, several things looked familiar and I started to say 'that looks like..." as the guy on TV said "Welcome to the Four Seasons, Maui". The episode was touching and funny (as always) and it really 'hit home' for me and Susie as MY Dad & Mom took our family to Hawaii (including the Four Seasons Maui) in July 2009 to celebrate their 51st wedding anniversary (if you're curious, you can check out photos on our photo site). That was our last family trip together before his passing in September and was an amazing memory that we won't forget! I hope to someday take our family to the Four Seasons; hopefully with less 'madcap adventures' as shown on that TV program :)

Another show that we watch regularly is Deadliest Catch. If you follow the series, one of the captains recently had a stroke. Not to be a 'spoiler' but sadly Captain Phil Harris of the Cornelia Marie passed away. The episode we watched last night ended with Captain Phil being taken away in an ambulance. I was blessed to have made it to Kentucky prior to my Dad passing away, and seeing Phil in a gurney reminded me of my Father in the ICU. I feel for anyone else who has lost a family member and I try to focus on the good (Hawaii, childhood, our relationship) with the bad (his passing). God bless you all and take a moment to call your loved ones and hug your family.

With all the silly trash that can be found on the TV, I am surprised when something touches me as much as those 2 programs recently have... Take care, Bo

Kill Bill! (Actually, Kill THIS Bill!)

Take a glance at this article on HR 5034. This bill is going to take wine consumption back to the dark ages of Prohibition! Write your Congressman! Likewise, check out this site and find out more about this horror-show.

As for Georgia residents, time to go on the attack! If you are in the following districts, you need to yell at your representative NOW. As for John Barrow (D-12th), Paul Broun (R-10), John Gingrey (R-11), David Scott (D-13) and Lynn Westmoreland (R-3): SHAME ON YOU. I plan to research your contributors and I can almost guarantee that the big distributors have given them a lot of money. Meanwhile, I still can't get Ridge wine shipped directly to me due to overzealous restrictions on the State level--if HR 5034 passes, I will NEVER get the specialty wines I used to get from them. BOO!

My comments to Hon. Tom Price, Georgia Congressman re: HR 5034

"Please do NOT join in the support of this bill. I know this bill is not the most important issue facing our current Congress but it is an important issue to me. I want open trade with other wine states. It is not an issue of taxes; it is an issue of freedom of choice and less limitations on the Commerce Clause. Enacting this bill will not aid consumers, it will aid only the large distributorships. I am very disappointed in the Georgia legislators who have signed on to support this bill. I suspect that I need only look to their list of contributors to see names like National Distributors, Empire Wholesale and others donating to 'the cause'. It is not the cause of freedom; it is not for the consumer. The Supreme Court has already ruled on this; don't restrict Granholm v. Heald's ruling. Thanks for your time."