Coolant temperature

My 2000 3.8 starts and heats up properly but the temperature at the DIC runs at 180-185 and doesn't seem to ever get to 195 or above,I live in NJ and we have had cooler weather lately would that matter?

Pretty close to normal temps, my 03 Lesabre was doing the same thing, I replaced the t'stat with a Napa premium, now runs at 197. I tested the stat and it seemed to open a little early ( the old one). Replace the o ring seal with it also.

That's probably close to correct. You're likely removing as much excess heat with the heater core as the radiator, and the thermostat rarely goes full open. It sounds completely normal.

Dug out of that 28" of snow yet?