Many things are very pretty when there is a fresh coat of snow on them.  One of the roads I sometimes drive to work is lined with wooded areas that are very pretty with snow hanging on the branches.  (For each photo, click on the thumbnail to see a larger version.)  

This photo was taken after some of the snow fell off (the wind was blowing).  The drive is even prettier when the snow is fresh.

Another benefit is ready access to cross country skiing.  Steve is on the cross country ski team at school, and David did some skiing on the weekends and in the late afternoons.  We could ski right out our front door, but usually go to one of the local parks within 2 – 3 miles of the house.  No fuss.  Just stop the van, pull the skis out, put them on, and off we go.  No long treks to the skiing areas, or crowded parking lots.

Because the temperatures were low, the ice fishermen were able to get out on Irondequoit Bay.  We don’t have the elaborate fishing villages built on the ice that they do on some Minnesota lakes.  People just go out with a stool, or sometimes a tent to protect against the wind.  But, on shore, they can get live bait from a vending machine!