an old couple keep forgetting things, and frustrated, they go to a doctor. the doctor tells them that they are just getting old and there is nothing he can do. he does advise them, however, to keep a pad and pencil handy with which to make notes.
the pad and pencil seems to help them. then one day while watching television, the husband announces that he is going into the kitchen to get something to eat. the wife asks him if he can get something for her, too.
"sure," he says.
"well," she replies, "i'd like some ice cream. but that's one extra thing for you to remember. you'd better write it down."
"i can remember ice cream!" he protests.
"But i want fresh strawberries on it, too. that's two extra things for you to remember. will you please write it down?"
he sighs, "but i'm just going straight to the kitchen. i won't forget!"
"okay," she says, "if you insist. but i want whipped cream on the top. that's three extra things for you to remember. should i write it down for you?"
"no," he replies, "i'll be able to remember three simple things."
after thirty minutes or so, and some banging pots and pans, the husband finally emerges from the kitchen and brings his wife a plate of bacon and eggs.
"see?" she cries. "i told you to write it down-- you forgot my toast!"
