Order Only: Oh, Arthur!

[alt_molly]

Maisie Diggory Floo called me as I was trying to get dinner together, and asked me to step through because there was something she wanted to show me. I'm afraid I was a mite bit testy with her, because I splashed hot water on my hand since I whirled around while holding the potato pot. Her Floo call had startled me.

But when I stepped through to her kitchen, and I saw what was on her kitchen table, and she told me it was all for me my mouth just fell open in astonishment! It was heaped high with fresh canned jars of jellies and jams and beans and tomatoes, and pears and, oh, all sorts of things! Vegetables and fruits from almost every house in the valley. Maisie, bless her, had gone around to everyone in the barter network and told them what had happened. 'And I didn't even have a chance to ask, Molly,' she told me. 'They started heaping cans and jars into my arms, as soon as I told them what had happened to you and Arthur with those horrible Ministry hooligans.'

Even Sarah Blakely gave me several jars of her peach chutney. She doesn't give that out to anybody!

I just have tears in my eyes. I know that some of these people have so little themselves. It touches me so much that they would share what they have with Arthur and me.

Comments

[alt_alice]

Oh my stars, Molly! What glorious news. You've given so much to your neighbours over the years, it's wonderful they've returned the favour so nicely. We were so worried about your food situation -- dear Stephen even suggested adding a last-minute plot of potatoes for you to see if we could help alleviate the situation, but it looks like you've got things well in hand.

[alt_molly]

Yes, we will be almost all right, I think (I was down counting the new additions to my shelves tonight). A bit tight, but manageable. But that doesn't mean the potatoes have to go to waste! I'm sure you could use them there. That reminds me: one of my neighbours on my bartering network sent me an article about how to make a better kind of potato flour, and another about dehydrating food, for longer shelf life. I'll pass the two articles along to you, once I've charmed copies for my own household book.

[alt_alice]

You're certainly right -- a few more bushels of potatoes never did anyone any harm. Other than the bother of planting and harvesting, they practically grow themselves!

And I'd appreciate the articles once you're finished.

Oh, I'm just so happy for you! What marvelous news all around, and just when you needed some.