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.