Not to excuse it, but there is a possible explanation. It’s so erratic and strange that it might be indicative of Alzheimer’s or dementia territory. He is 77. Both my grandparents started showing symptoms around that age. My grandpa could be pretty lucid, but then was totally capable of telling a stranger she had nice…

Yes, actually. When I reach an extreme of scared/ashamed/embarrassed I blush bright red. I’m happy to be the first person to tell you that since you seem to think that is absurd and impossible.