[CentOS] difficulty saving pdfs

Often when I try "Save a copy" from a pdf viewer,
I get a nyet, no such file as /tmp/s.../... .
Making the indicated directory allows the save.
What is the problem? Is it a gnome thing?
What can I do to fix it?

-- 
Michael   hennebry at web.cs.ndsu.NoDak.edu
"On Monday, I'm gonna have to tell my kindergarten class,
whom I teach not to run with scissors,
that my fiance ran me through with a broadsword."  --  Lily