[Ian Brantford]

I do only drive about 1.5 miles to work every day. (lucky me) Maybe the extreme cold and the short run times didn't allow adequate charging.

Bingo. That's an engine killer in the long term due to incomplete combustion. However, it's also a battery killer in the short-to-medium term.

An AGM battery would charge much faster and tolerate your habits better. In particular, one that is designed for both starting and deep cycle would be best. Such battery types aren't cheap, but they are cheaper than being stranded. Models:

Optima Yellow Top
Orbital Extreme
Northstar

You might also get more leeway by installing a larger battery. The Ridgeline accepts a size 24F.

 

[Ian Brantford]

There are two vehicles in the family that have experienced the loss of charge after too many short trips, winter or not. There have been no further incidents since switching to AGM batteries, which recharge faster.