@anon763
Nothing weird with that sentence, although it would've been weird like what you describe if it said ".. watching it snow?" instead of ".. watching the snow?".
One is a common way to refer to snowfall, other is a common way to refer to snow-clad scenery and such.
Personally I like such scenery, probably because most of the time I've been out and about in snowy landscapes I've been away from noisy annoyances.
People rarely speak at all outside when temps are too low, it's lovely. (You'd get trouble with breathing if you circulate enough air to speak more than briefly.)
-40 And below is lovely. (Common enough where I grew up.)
Anyways, nice relaxed chapter that tugs on various memories, most enjoyable.