Boy, when they called it the Windy City, they were not exaggerating. I make sure my coat is zipped, my hat is on securely, my gloves are in place, and my scarf covers any exposed neck while I mentally prepare myself for the walk from my vehicle into the store. On the count of three. One. Two. Three.

It takes all my strength to push the car door open against the wintery gale. I glance at the pavement; there’s no ice, so I set one foot then the other down. I toss my purse strap over ...