Cleaning the kitchen, mug by mug

If you're ever looking to take on a huge project, volunteer to help someone empty -- and then refill -- all of her kitchen cabinets. Maybe it's part of a kitchen remodeling. Maybe it's a move to a new home. This time of year, it might be a stab at spring cleaning.

Any way you look at it, it's a big mess -- and one that, while you're in the middle of it, feels as if it will never, ever end.

It might even be tougher than tackling your own kitchen -- which is no picnic.

"What's this?" you'll ask, holding up some alien gadget.

"Have you seen the bottom to this lid?" "Where do you want me to put this?" "What in the world do you use this for?"

The project is nearly complete, thankfully. We have cut the last piece of shelf liner. Hand-washed and dried the last serving bowl. Folded up the step stool. Whew.

This is not the first time I have helped someone do this. Nor do I want to do it again anytime soon.

Never being one to take on such tasks quietly, I have been reminded of -- and even learned -- a few things. For example:

And they match. Did I mention that?

Or maybe even convince the homeowner to donate an extra set of dishes she no longer uses.

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Cleaning the kitchen, mug by mug