A couple in their nineties are having trouble remembering things. They decide to go to the doctor for a check-up. The doctor tells them that they are physically okay, but that they might want to start writing things down to help them remember.
Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. “Where are you going ?” his wife asks him. “To the kitchen”, he replies. “Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?” she asks. “Sure”, says the husband. She gently reminds him, “Don’t you think you should write it down so that you can remember?” “No, I can remember that” he says.
She then says, “Well, I’d like some strawberries on top. You better write it down because I know you’ll forget.” “I can remember that ! You want a bowl of ice cream topped with strawberries,” he says.
“I’d also like some whipped cream. Now I’m certain you”ll forget that; so you’d better write it down,” she adds. Irriated, he says, “I don’t need to write it down! I can remember that ! Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream!” He then grumbles his way to the kitchen.
After about 20 minutes, the old man returns from the kitchen and hands over a plate of mashed potato and stew to his wife.
She stares at the plate for a moment and says, “Where’s my toast?”.