We had no words in common, so I did my best to show my appreciation in smiles and signs and  I must have succeeded,  because when we said good-bye, he sent us off with just-from-the-oven loaves.

Pinching off pieces of the bread as we walked, I thought of the warnings my mother used to give me.  Cautions like:  “Hot bread isn’t good for you;”  or, “Snacking before meals will spoil your appetite.”  I love my mother, but there are times when even a good mom can be wrong — last night was one of those times.