Okay, you winter weenies. You know who you are. You're thinking about staying at home and curling up in front of your faux fire and catching up with your online social network faux friends. Remember how much fun Gaskell's is? Real people, live music, dancing, costumes, and flirting.

Don't want to water damage your silks? Surely you have some new Dicken's wear that could use a little weathering. Loud plaid is never dulled by dampness.

Defy the dang storm! Get out your rain ponchos and galoshes or make yourself a fashionable trashbag overcoat and stomp on over to Gaskell's this Saturday. Cheer yourself with dancing and frivolity.

Are you with me? Who'll brave the rain for an evening of Gaskell fun?

No regrets!