Those who follow “Notes” regularly know that Brenda, Amanda and I are living in our ancestral home while caring for our Mother, Nancy (Amanda’s grandmother), who struggles with dementia.

In many ways this disease ( at least the stage we are in) reminds me of raising teen-agers. Mom has gotten very cheeky, and that leads to some very funny conversations.

One of the things we are working on with Mom is her diet. She does not eat very well, partly because of her teeth (the repairs to which are put on hold for the moment due to Covid) and partly because she has a sweet tooth that never quits. the 3P.M.-5P.M. hour is reminiscent of when my kids were teens. They would come in from the day and start snacking, to which this parent would say, “Don’t eat too many snacks. You will ruin your dinner.”

I don’t know if you have ever tried that line with someone over 80 but if you do you are likely to get a response like I got yetserday….

Scene is the Vicarage Kitchen and living room.

Mom eats a Swiss roll at three.

At four she eats an ice cream sandwich

J. Says- Supper is in a little while Mom. Don’t spoil your dinner.

Mom says- I won’t. I am just really hungry now.

J says- Do you want me to fix you a sandwich or something now?

Mom says- This is a sandwich.

J rolls his eyes.

After her ice cream sandwich Mom takes a brief nap and wakes up around 5P.M.

J says- Would you like me to fix you something for dinner?

Mom says- No. I am not hungry.

J says- OK, let me know when you are hungry ,and I can fix you a plate.

20 minutes later Mom comes out of the kitchen with A NUTTY BUDDY!

J says- Mom would you like me to fix you something for dinner before you eat that?

Mom says- No. I want this.

J says ( a little exasperated)- Mom you need to eat something more than sugar. You have been eating sugar all afternoon.

Mom says- Apparently it’s what my body needs.

J says- Apparently…..