Returning from the tropics of St. Lucia, everyone on our plane was pleased to hear the captain announce that Chicago was at a balmy 30°. We were all fooling ourselves, really. We had just spent a week relaxing in temperatures that are between 70° to 90° year-round. To be pleased with 30° is like thinking MC Hammer has sound financial skills. Walking to work has now become a frigid day-mare, with this morning's temperature hovering at 0° - (That's a zero, folks.) - without wind chill. A far, far cry from the walk to the beach in 80° and sunny skies. (Pictures are forthcoming.)