Today, I was in a cleaning mood and spent several hours doing so. I even mopped! I was on a roll, and naturally Olga came to mind.
You see, everything I learned about housekeeping was from Olga, la directress of a children's camp in Switzerland where I worked several summers back in the late 80's and early 90's. (That was when I was a teacher and had loads of time off.) I "worked" at the camp for about 25 francs a week but was mainly there to practice my French.
Olga was a tall lady, very kind and loving; but she expected that camp to be spotless, especially the kitchens and bathrooms. When you think of Olga, respect comes to mind... and organized... and clean!
Olga's rule for mopping is that "le rinรงage" is the most important part of it. The floor had to be cleaned, of course (that's a given!), but no sticky soapy residue. In other words, lots of water at the end to clear away the soap. Olga used to inspect my last bucket of water to make sure it was clean. You're probably thinking that Olga was a tyrant; but she was actually quite pleasant. Sometimes, I'd see her smile while she was telling me to get another bucket!
Olga had two rules for washing dishes:
1) "Commencez avec les verres." (Start with the glasses.) This way, you get them squaky clean before tackling the greasy stuff.
2) Let the water get "aussi chaude que possible" (as hot as possible). Warm water isn't sufficient. Sometimes I'd see her walk by and repeat, "aussi chaude que possible, Frances".
I hadn't thought of this great lady in years. Those were memorable summers!
You see, everything I learned about housekeeping was from Olga, la directress of a children's camp in Switzerland where I worked several summers back in the late 80's and early 90's. (That was when I was a teacher and had loads of time off.) I "worked" at the camp for about 25 francs a week but was mainly there to practice my French.
Olga was a tall lady, very kind and loving; but she expected that camp to be spotless, especially the kitchens and bathrooms. When you think of Olga, respect comes to mind... and organized... and clean!
Olga's rule for mopping is that "le rinรงage" is the most important part of it. The floor had to be cleaned, of course (that's a given!), but no sticky soapy residue. In other words, lots of water at the end to clear away the soap. Olga used to inspect my last bucket of water to make sure it was clean. You're probably thinking that Olga was a tyrant; but she was actually quite pleasant. Sometimes, I'd see her smile while she was telling me to get another bucket!
Olga had two rules for washing dishes:
1) "Commencez avec les verres." (Start with the glasses.) This way, you get them squaky clean before tackling the greasy stuff.
2) Let the water get "aussi chaude que possible" (as hot as possible). Warm water isn't sufficient. Sometimes I'd see her walk by and repeat, "aussi chaude que possible, Frances".
I hadn't thought of this great lady in years. Those were memorable summers!
Frances,
I loved reading about Olga. What a wonderful experience. Isn't it strange how sometimes the people who do things that stick with us forever are - in their mind - often just doint the right thing?
BTW - I read the book Sarah's Key (saw it on the shelf) and really was touched by it.
Take care, Deidre
Posted by: Deidre Dixon | January 31, 2010 at 08:46 PM
I am agree with you but we should face the situation as per time and condition.Thanks for sharing this information with me.
Posted by: cheap carte 8gb video | February 02, 2010 at 02:00 AM
I just love when a memory comes flooding in out of the blue. What a great moment for you.
Posted by: Transforming Julie | February 02, 2010 at 05:34 PM
I almost felt like I was there the way you write a good story! Funny!
Posted by: Marianne | February 22, 2010 at 07:01 AM