News from Shakes Manor

Iain is routinely exasperated by my indifference to "adult beverages," because I don't like coffee, most tea, beer, and most wine and hard liquor.

"They're acquired tastes!" he argues. I have heard many stories about how he acquired a taste for beer. Did you know in Scotland you have to walk uphill both ways to the pub?

He laughs when I try his beloved Cabernet Sauvignon for the ten millionth time and make a face. He gives me a look of mock scorn and abiding fondness. "It's an acquired taste," he tells me, again, as I rid my mouth of the taste with a swig of ice water.

I say if it doesn't taste good in the first place, I ain't gonna work at it.