Is that it?

Undeterred by the slowdown unfolding south of the border, Canadians kept shopping in January, scooping up new cars, building and outdoor home supplies, furniture and clothing. Statistics Canada said Tuesday that retail sales rose 1.5 per cent to $35.8-billion in the first month of 2008, topping analysts' expectations for a 1.4 per cent rise. It was the third straight strong monthly showing for the Canadian consumer.

Add to that the news yesterday that home sales in the US are actually up and it makes one wonder what is going on. Oh yes - that's it: prices have dropped. And markets have been frozen. I wish I could have my mistakes frozen until many of the consequences have dissipated.