The Commutative Property

It's a basic mathematical concept most of us learned in elementary school, that by adding 3 and 2, for example, the sum will be 5.  By the Commutative Property,  adding 2 and 3 also equals 5.  As it turns out, this identical concept can be applied when common sense fails and the brain synapses refuse to fire.  Last Sunday I hosted a function at my shop which required the offering of a modest spread of sweets, savories, and mild potables derived from grapes.  As my sweet, I opted for the general crowd pleaser in South Louisiana: the petit four.  In Lafayette, the best miniature cake cubes have for generations been procured at one place: Keller's Bakery.  However, and especially now since the block of Jefferson Street downtown where Keller's is located has been torn to hell by construction for the past 6 months blocking easy access to the place, the title of best petits fours now goes to Rousses Market in Youngsville.  Although there's a Keller's branch in Youngsville, it's on the opposite side of the village from the Maison -- and as the streets are arranged here,  it's not an easy journey to travel laterally.  Rousses is both convenient and the bakery is -- permit me to step aside should there be a sudden clap of thunder -- superior to the age old Lafayette confectioner, at least as far as petits fours are concerned. They are moister, more flavorful, more colorfully decorated, and noticeably larger than the Keller's variety.  So, for my function, there was no question as to the source of choice.   Just in case there was a run on them (which could happen, given that most local high schools were matriculating this weekend), I found it prudent to call in a pre-order for a late afternoon pick-up.  Here is the verbatim exchange with the clerk at the bakery:

Libellus: I would like to order 2 dozen petits fours to be picked up at 4:30 this afternoon.  Is that possible?

Bakery: No, sir. We need at least 24 hours. 

L: I see.  So I wouldn't be able to order those today?

B: No, sir. 

L: Well, how many petits fours do you have on hand at the moment?

B: We have at least 4 dozen. 

L: Very good.  Would you please reserve 2 dozen of those?  I will be there at 4:30 to purchase them. 

B: Yes sir. I'll set them aside now. 

L: Thank you. 

Despite the superior quality of the petits fours, those who prepare them may not shine as the sharpest spades in the shed.  Nonetheless, a bit of uncommon sense makes for great conversation at the buffet.