Thank You, Lukas

To the editor:

It amazes me the length and knowledge that goes into the political commentaries in “Letters to the Editor.” Were the authors on the high school debate team or college history and political science professors?

I want to write about something that really matters to me and people my size – “Pastries.” No small Texas town square is complete without a bakery. For many years, whenever I go into town I stop at Lukas Bakery. My favorite item has always been cinnamon sticks or bars (not sure the correct menu name.) I always buy all that are left including any in the freezer, hoping they will last until my next trip. And I usually try another item or two.

One time, Rick, a portly acquaintance of mine from Carmine, came in behind me. He got up to the counter and ordered “Two cinnamon bars to go with my coffee.” “Sorry we are all sold out,” and Ms. Pat gave me a look. I kind of felt guilty. After all, he came all the way from Carmine. My first thought – I could sell him two of mine. But it is a small town and I didn’t want to be known as a “profiteer.” Christianity took hold and I gave him one of mine.

Then new ownership took over. My thoughts were “How is this going to work out?” My first visit I order all the cinnamon bars. If there is someone behind me, I order all but two.

At home for breakfast the next day, I take out a prized cinnamon bar. Hmm. Something is different. It appears to be narrower than before. Could it be? I ask my wife for the tape measure. “What are you going to compare it with? You’ve eaten all your frozen stash.” Well look at it. Yes, may not be quite as wide. Tastes the same, but am I being cheated out of a quarter inch?

Next trip to Lukas Bakery, nobody behind me in line, I buy all the bars. Get home, examine the width, appears narrow. I complain to my wife. It so happens later that day at Murphy’s Steakhouse for lunch, we run into Ms. Pat, a neighbor of ours. My wife says hello and has a word with her. I ask what were you talking about. “I told her of your complaint of ‘narrowness’ of your cinnamon bars.”

Last Wednesday I show up at Lukas Bakery. No one in line behind me, Ms. Pat behind the counter. I check out the bars. Not only do they look wider but plumper. “I’ll take them all. And while you’re at it let me have a bag of those chocolate chip cookies.” Ms. Pat took heed and also felt the bars were not as wide as past bars. She mentioned this to the new owner and lo and behold, the old and improved cinnamon bars once again available. Delicious. By the way, the chocolate chip cookies were the best I’ve ever tasted, loaded with chips, so I may have a new favorite.

If you want a cinnamon bar or a chocolate chip cookie get there early.