Do you drive a 2WD vehicle in the snow and how effective is it?

My Toyota (Front wheel drive) is pretty good in light snow, but I gave gotten stuck -- but only when the snow is higher than front bumper, once it gets 'lifted' the slightest bit on the undercarriage, forget it. Ice is another story, black ice occurs often and I have lost control on one occasion, fortunately no damage just scared the S*** out of me when it spun out. I live in Calif. but in an area with moderate snowfall but it thaws during day and forms black (clear ice is more accurate) that is invisible on black pavement. I have learned that bridges freeze over before the concrete freeway also, THAT'S when you have to be really careful