Not the question I was expecting.

**Streetcar** · 29th August 06, 02:08 PM

I went on a light hike with the family last weekend. We got to a small, beach area on Lake Washington, and there were about a dozen other people in the area, picnicking, playing in the water, etc.

While my wife fed the baby, I was walking along the waterline with my toddler. After a few minutes, a woman in her mid to late 60's called out to me, saying something about "...kilt...?"

I couldn't quite make out what she was asking, but I assumed it had something to do with the olive Utilikilt I was wearing. I got closer, and asked her to repeat her question. This time it sounded like she was saying something about a "kilt."

I told her it was a modern style, casual kilt.

She said, "I know it's a kilt, but what's a kilt-lifter?"

I was flummoxed. I was hoping she wasn't asking what it sounded like she was asking - and in front of my wife and kids!

Then I realized, I was wearing a T-Shirt advertising "Kilt-Lifter Ale" from the Pike Place Brewing Company.

I explained it was a Scottish style ale, brewed locally, and I apologized for the confusion. She said, "Not at all."
She went on to say that she recognized my U.K. as a kilt right away - but she was more interested in the beer.

Lesson learned: Never assume people are staring at what you think they're staring at.

**Andrew Green** · 29th August 06, 06:22 PM

Hooray for tasty brew!

When I went to the Enuclaw Highland Games, I got comments from girls about my Pilz-e t-shirt (Foamy the Squirell web cartoon character), not about my kilt. It happens from time to time.

**Blu (Ontario)** · 29th August 06, 07:40 PM

Where the kilt is concerned, I don't think I would be surprised at any comment or question.

**ozmeath** · 30th August 06, 02:48 AM

Good story Streetcar, which makes me think of another where I learned never to assume people are going to behave themselves either. I was at a gig not so long ago and a close friend of mines' wife, reserved mum and always polite, lifts up my kilt from behind! I was so shocked I didn't even stop her, I just turned and looked, amused and amazed and responed "I had no idea you were a kilt lifter Deborah!" She wasn't at all embarassed, just smiled and let go.

**timber** · 30th August 06, 07:33 AM

The other day I walked into a local fast food joint for lunch and a couple of teenaged girls looked at me and grinned. I thought to myself, "Oh the power of the kilt, but little girls you are way too young". As they were getting ready to leave, their mother said to me "The girls really like your belt!" My belt? didn't they see the swing of the pleats? Oh well, you can never really figure out teenagers.

**Riverkilt** · 30th August 06, 08:09 AM

Always a surprise when I realize a stranger is about to say something to me and I gear up all my kilt responses then get, 'I love your t-shirt.'
Not an unusual happening at all. And, like you, I'm so deep into my kilt responses I stumble to dig out and respond to what they said.

Ron

**JimB** · 30th August 06, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by timber

The other day I walked into a local fast food joint for lunch and a couple of teenaged girls looked at me and grinned. I thought to myself, "Oh the power of the kilt, but little girls you are way too young". As they were getting ready to leave, their mother said to me "The girls really like your belt!" My belt? didn't they see the swing of the pleats? Oh well, you can never really figure out teenagers.

They just told their mother they were looking at the belt.