Mo, hate to bear worse news, I rode home after my swingshift job in low 50's, high 40's weather.
I know your pain though. Lived many a year with what I consider real winters.
And as to where I went.... layoffs, lost my house, terminal care for a dear friend, massively long deep depression, death of a childhood friend, 3 moves - involving losing most of what I owned, and a few grey hairs.
But i'm MUCH better now. found a good job, both kids are happy at school, still happily married, the bike is still running strong and the weather is great.
Now if I could only get a house, mill and lathe.
l8r