Entering Arkansas we noticed a sign urging us to visit the Wineries of Arkansas. Along I-40 in the western part of the state we saw billboards for this or that winery, inviting us to stop in for a tasting. Same thing in Tennessee. And earlier this summer, believe it or not, in Iowa.

I'm guessing that wine-tasting tourism must be the latest boomer thing.

While we passed on the wineries, we did stop almost daily for a mid-afternoon break in a coffeeshop, both Starbucks and independents. Even in the mountains of western North Carolina we found a coffee shop with wi-fi in a small town along the highway; and we were not the only customers.

It seems to me that Americans, as a whole, must be in pretty good shape financially. And must have confidence in their economic future. I'll believe the contrary to be true when I see coffee shops closing and wine sales going down.