Cleanliness is next to Godliness

We have stated in our blog and various emails that much of the work here is very physical. The Inn does get inspected like any other restaurant, and we have certain standards of health and safety we have to meet. After every meal, we sweep, mop, wipe downn all tables, chairs, counters, remove garbage, recycle lots of plastic, cardboard, and aluminum. However, since we are open 7 days a week, we don't have the advantage of a closing to do more extensive cleaning. Therefore, we have "cleaning Mondays" on the first Monday of each month. This is when walls, the refrigerator, windows, stoves and other big items get cleaned. Due to Labor Day, we missed this day in September. So last Monday we had our first experience, and Mark and I were very happy to have a chance to make war on dirt. I chose to clean a rolling counter in and out, and to get the caked-on grime that covered two high chairs and booster chairs. Mark volunteered to get behind the two stoves, tilt skillet and large kettle. He was thin enough to get on the floor behind these appliances and scrub the accumulated grease, roaches and whatever else was back there. He worked over 3 hours on this area, and generally impressed the entire staff. Depending on whom we talked to, it had not been done for somewhere between 8 months and 2 years. When he emerged from his battle on filth, he looked like he had been in a war zone. His face and clothes were black, his hands were raw, and his muscles were sore. I wish I had my camera with me!