I'll be closing out this solo-produced blog starting April 19. I've taken a new job in journalism that promises excitement and better financial security for my family. My bosses haven't told me whether the blog will continue under a new reporter or reporters. Stay tuned.

It's been a pleasure writing this blog for 2 1/2 years, in addition to my other duties as a St. Petersburg Times reporter and columnist. The freedom of the Web is exhilarating. Rest assured I'm leaving on good terms, under no duress save the desire to improve my lot while remaining in Tampa.

Just as fun has been the verbal jousting with a core of dedicated, intelligent commentators. Thank you all for keeping this site entertaining, informative and blissfully free of politically motivated happy talk that seems to clog the comments sections on other stories. (See Crist, Charlie: Heroic defender of teachers)

We all know what a hellish exercise it has been to predict the behavior of a market made up of millions of consumers, if-it's-Tuesday-it-must-be-time-for-a-new-handout government and gun shy builders and bankers.

I'm confident of one thing. Time heals all wounds, even our financially self-inflicted ones.