Hi, Janet. Kind of you to remember my friend. She turned 85 last week, and looks 60. She’s still a sugar addict who falls off the wagon now and then. She touches base with a group that helps her stay on track. For her birthday party? Salads. No ice cream and cake. Well, there was a cake, but she was happy to part it out to all the guests.

The other day, I put a can of stewed tomatoes in a sauce. The minute I tasted it, I said YIKE!!! SUGAR!!! Yes, cane sugar right there on the label. I shoulda checked in the store. I was astonished, though, how vividly I experienced that sweetness.