Wow, that is beautiful! I also feel a bit like I stumbled into a storybook when I see a snowy landscape Probably because I haven't seen it for real for most of my life!
Those cookies sound yum! On the margarine, I read something the other day, I wish I copied the source, about margarine, saying it's nearly plastic! That was scary... Made me glad I switched to eating butter instead, though that is not an option for you unfortunately.