A friend just returned from Nashville, TN.  He was stunned by the number of construction cranes and projects he saw throughout the region.

Over the weekend, I attended an event where I spoke with a sales manager for residential construction material.  He covers a territory in Illinois that ranges from Danville down to Anna.  These are areas that have not been an economic beacon in a long, long time.  I asked about his business.  (Remember, he's in RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION materials).  He said, his business is up 30%!!!  People are still building homes despite what they are reading in the newspapers.

Also, in the conversation, was the owner of a fourth generation jewelery store, located in a small town.  Truly a business that relies on discretionary income, the jewelery business would certainly feel the effects of a slowing economy.  With some trepidation, I asked the jeweler about his year.  He also confirmed that business is good.  In fact, it's better than last year!

I've sometimes been accused of wearing rose-colored glasses.  But I'm beginning to think the focus of my frames is just fine.  Maybe it's the news media that needs to have their prescription checked.  Their coverage is leading to the following:

    My wife's friend has a family business that is solely dependent on high end discretionary spending by their customers.  The friend stated, "Wow, the economy is really bad."    
    My wife inquired, "What about your business?  How's it doing."  
    "Oh" responded the friend, "Our business is doing great, I just keep hearing that it's bad."