A New Screened Door for the Porch

Welcome to the 221st Metamorphosis Monday!

Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments you left on Friday’s post. I’m so grateful for all your well wishes and prayers…please know that. I’m way behind in responding to e-mails so if you e-mailed me in the last week or so and haven’t heard back, I hope to get caught up on my e-mail correspondence over the next few days. Each day I’m getting stronger and I expect my energy level to be back up to normal real soon.

This weekend I did laundry, emptied the dishwasher and filled the bird feeder. I was shocked to find how much I enjoyed doing these simple, mundane tasks.  After being so sick, even the little things I do every day suddenly seem special and more meaningful. Isn’t that strange?

Metamorphosis Monday

I have an in-progress metamorphosis to share for this Met Monday, one that has been taking a ridiculous amount of time to complete.   The porch has two screened doors, you can just barely see them in this pic below.  One is on the far left and the other is on the far right in the photo below.

Screened Porch with Sheer Curtains and White Wicker Furniture

The porch was completed in Spring 2008 so the doors have been in place for five years.  Unfortunately, when the porch was painted, the painter didn’t prime and paint the underside/bottom of the doors.  The builder installed them prior to the painting process so maybe my painter didn’t think he could reach under there to paint them.

I had noticed the door on the left side seemed to occasionally stick along the bottom but it wasn’t anything serious.  A little bump with the foot opened it easily.  It didn’t dawn on me when it first started sticking what was actually happening.

Screened Porch with Sheer Curtains and White Wicker Furniture

Then one day I noticed this.  Ummm, not good. I’m not even sure when that happened. It probably got stuck one day and I bumped it with my foot to open it and it broke.  This door gets a lot of water splashed on it because just above it off to the left is where the roof of the porch meets the rest of the house and even though there’s a gutter there, if we get a torrential downpour, the water runs off faster than the gutter can handle it.  In extremely heavy rains, it really pours onto the deck, splashing on to the door.  Apparently that caused the bottom of the door to swell up, thus the sticking issue. I’m surprised it lasted 5 years before this happened since these wood screened doors are really light and inexpensive costing only around $40 each.  If I have to only replace it every 5 years, I can handle that, but I have a plan that I hope will prevent this problem from happening again.  More on that in a sec.

Old Damaged Screened Door

I’ve been working on replacing the door for months.  Ridiculous, right?  My door replacement plan totally got off on the wrong foot.  A few months ago I went shopping for a new door and though I really didn’t want a vinyl door, I purchased one hoping it would be a permanent solution. I found one in the exact same style as the old door and it was also very reasonably priced.  But there were problems, multiple problems.

New Screened Door Installed

Once installed, the new vinyl door was so heavy it hung down creating a gap a the top where bugs can creep in.  Also, the screening looked terrible on the door, raw edges sticking out everywhere.  And the screen was torn at the top edge.  🙁  I looked the door over as well as I could before purchasing it and hauling it home.  It was inside a big plastic bag so it was hard to see every detail.  I’m hoping Home Depot will take it back since it has so many defects, not to mention it doesn’t fit properly.  Unfortunately, I can’t recoup the money I paid to have it installed by a contractor who occasionally does work for me.

Screen Damaged

The vinyl door had even more problems.  Not only did it sag down at the top leaving a big gap, it was actually a bit too short for the opening.  Why they make wood screened doors slightly bigger than they make vinyl screened doors, I do not know.  Notice the big gap at the bottom on the left.  That’s another big opening for bugs to come through.  Ugh.  The old wood door fit so much better than this.

Vinyl Door

So, off I went to Home Depot to buy another wood door like the one I had previously on this side.  Unfortunately, they were not stocking that style anymore.  It could be ordered but if I ordered it, instead of being around $40, it was something like $179 or $199.  I’ve forgotten the exact amount now but it was A LOT more.  So, I chose another style wood door that I think I actually like even better than the old one.

New Wood Screened Door

The contractor I used before to install my door is impossible to get.  I usually have to call him a gazillion times and then wait weeks for him to come by since he’s always working on really big jobs.  He has to fit me into his schedule which always takes forever.  His prices are very reasonable so normally I wait. But not this time.  Porch season is upon us so time to get this never-ending door quest completed.  I decided to let Home Depot install it this time.

A little side note:  The inexpensive wood screened doors like this are available in both Lowes and Home Depot.  Unfortunately, it’s pretty common to find lots of major defects on them, like ripped screens, etc…  If you read the reviews online for these doors, they aren’t very good.  So if you buy one, look it over very, very carefully.  I recommend removing the plastic bag if it’s covered so you can really see it.

New Screened Door

Home Depot installs doors for right at $100.  I’ve had them install French doors for me years ago for the room I’d love to turn into a library one day, and they did a great job.  I let the installer pick the door up at the store this time instead of bringing it home in my SUV.  That way if  it was damaged, it would be his responsibility to return it and bring another one back out.

Fortunately, the door wasn’t defective this time and it fits perfectly.  The installer did a great job.  Now I just need to prime and paint it. When I do, I’m going to prime and paint the underside of the door, too.  There’s plenty of room to run a paint brush up under the door when it’s open…I already checked.  So I’m hoping that will prevent the water damage this go around.  At least that’s the plan. 🙂

If you look closely on the porch, you’ll notice the covers are off the swing chains.  I took them off a few weeks ago to wash them.  I do that about every two years. As soon as the pollen lets up a bit, I’ll put them back on. The sheers got a good wash, too.

New Screened Door for Screened Porch

After the door was installed a few weeks ago, I covered it in plastic until I could find the time to paint it.  I took this pic below before I tucked and taped the plastic all around it so I actually did a better job of covering than you are seeing here.   Unfortunately, it was installed right around the time we started getting rainy day after rainy day here in Georgia. And then it turned freezing cold again.  Crazy weather!  Now that the weather has warmed up, I’m looking forward to getting out there and priming/painting it once my energy level picks back up..

New Screened Door for the Porch

 

Have you ever had a project that seemed straight-forward and simple but ended up taking way, way longer than you ever thought?

Metamorphosis Monday:

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Comments

  1. I love your porch so much!!!!!!!! It’s one of my favorites.

  2. So glad your home and feeling better. Please take it easy and take care of your self. Also very happy that Max is better and that he had good care while you were in the hospital.
    Mary

  3. Make sure to rest and get better in your own time. Sending un bacio di salute (a kiss of health) all the way from Italy.
    Natalie

  4. It’s amazing how some of the little things just seem to drag on and on sometimes, while bigger projects get done in a flash! That seems like the story of our lives lately. 🙂

  5. Our porch is still full of pollen, so glad when that goes away. Love YOUR porch!!! Thanks so much for hosting!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

  6. Glad you are feeling better Susan! We are getting ready to replace our vinyl door with a wood one on our porch. It’s so lightweight that the slightest breeze causes it to blow open when it’s not latched. Thanks for hosting!

    • Mary, mine usually just does it during really super windy days, but I keep it latched 99% of the time to make sure Max doesn’t get out. They may make those thingies that you attach at the top on storm doors (what are they called?) that would also work for screened doors. I don’t like them because they tend to slam the door into your heel, but that would keep it closed automatically.

  7. Beautiful porch…thank you for hosting! So glad you’re feeling better!

  8. Hi, Love your porch, perfect spot for day dreaming! 😉 Thanks for hosting 🙂 Jo x

  9. I didn’t realize they still sold the wood doors at the big stores. Good to know. I’ve wanted one for some time and have tried finding them at flea markets and sales, etc. with no luck. Your porch is always so beautiful and inspiring!
    Liz

    • Liz, I can’t believe how inexpensive they are, too! Just give it a super, dooper good inspection because the quality inspection control is lacking. You should be able to find a good though.

  10. Susan, I’m so glad you are feeling better and gaining your strength back. Thanks for hosting this party each week.
    Blessings,
    Nici

  11. Thank you for hosting, Susan. I’m so, so glad that you’re getting back on your feet!

  12. I was worried about you…so glad you’re doing better! Thanks for hosting!!! XO, Aimee

  13. Susan,
    Thanks so much for hosting!! Glad to hear that you are home from the hospital and feeling better!!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

  14. So glad to hear that you are better, Susan! I hope Max is also doing well after his treatment. Hugs and prayers for you both…Debbie

  15. So glad you are back and feeling better. We were all praying for you. I’m working on my screen door too. Spring calling so I want the keep the bugs out.

  16. Thanks for the party! So glad that you are better! Life to the full! Melissa

  17. Susan, somehow all our projects seem to go that way. 😉 Maybe it’s the old farmhouse syndrome or God just knows we need to learn to learn patience. So glad you are regaining your strength. That was such an awful scare. Things like that make you so thankful for all the big and little blessings that we have in our lives. God is good. Thanks for hosting. ~Wanda

  18. So great to hear you are bouncing back so quickly! I can relate that your door has been frustrating, I wish manufacturers wouldn’t change products every few years so you can’t ever replace anything easily! It seems like there are so many things that should be easy to fix now have to be replaced it total! Your porch is worth it though!
    Jenna

  19. Susan, I’m so glad that you’re home and that you survived your ordeal! I read online that there is a meat recall in South Carolina and Georgia. Could that have possibly made you sick? We have a screen door just like yours that needs replacing so thanks for all the tips!

    • I need to Google and read about that. I had a chicken sandwich with lettuce and tomato about 4 days prior and I ran through several drive through to grab a tea 2-3 times during that week before. I’ve read that you can get it from a glass of tea if an employee didn’t wash their hands after going to the restroom. So I’m not sure I’ll ever figure it out.

  20. It seems like most of our projects become extended for one reason or another. The new door looks great and you are probably right that sealing it from the bottom will help prevent the water damage.
    I’m so glad you are feeling much better. That is so darn scary what you went through. We take it for granted that the food we eat is safe, but it isn’t always, is it! I just read about a major recall of meat that has a possible contamination of listeria from somewhere in the south. All the states that the meat went to are from about Kentucky and further south. They claim no one has been reported sick from any of their meat yet, but you have to wonder how long that story will stay true.
    Check this link out for a piece you can attach to the bottom of the door- http://www.thehardwarehut.com/catalog-product.php?p_ref=259383 (I’m sure it can be painted white) There are other ones that fit right around the bottom of the door to keep it out of the elements, but they would require your door to be cut shorter and they are designed to meet up with a threshold.

    • So scary! I would say let’s all become vegetarians but heck, even the spinach and lettuce isn’t safe. And remember when there was something bad going on with strawberries a year or so ago…even they weren’t safe. Maybe we are going to have to start growing all our own food. I’d starve to death since my yard is so shady. lol Not sure what to do…even organic spinach has been found to be tainted, so even organic can be unsafe. I read that it can become contaminated from the use of manure as a fertilizer. I’ve been reading a bunch online this weekend and it seems to be coming more and more of an issue lately. 🙁 Thanks for the link, Liz…will check that out.

  21. Yes, yes, yes! I know exactly what you mean! We’re building a house and getting subs to show up when you’ve scheduled and to complete work is close to being a nightmare! I just don’t understand how being inconsistent works in their field? It drives me absolutely nuts! {you can see our “adventure” here: http://mssharlottessouthernreflections.blogspot.com/2013/03/plan-c-and-part-1.html}
    I’m so glad you are feeling better! Glad your “ordeal” is over!
    As always, I love your screened porch. I know you’ll be glad too when your door is finished and ready for the season.
    BTW, I hope you know that you are an inspiration to many, many people…we all love visiting!
    Take care and have a wonderful week!
    Sharlotte

  22. The wood makes a more nostalgic sound anyway:) I’m so glad to hear you’re feeling better, too! Enjoy your week!
    XO,
    Christy

  23. I’m so glad that you are doing better and feeling better.
    Yes, I’ve had many projects that didn’t go the way I had planned…seems like it is part of the DIY process to me, but maybe I just do it wrong most of the time. 😉
    Thanks so much for hosting!
    KC

  24. Oh my goodness, sounds like you have been through the ringer, so glad you are doing better!!

  25. Oh Susan,
    Reading about your door dilemma reminds me of some many of our projects. If we ever have one to go just as planned and not have to re-do something, I’m always surprised. We’ve had to replace doors for the exact problem that you’ve had…the bottom not being painted and the water issue. Hopefully, yours is fixed correctly and you can get back to beautifying your wonderful porch.
    Thanks so much for hosting and have a grand week.

  26. Good morning, Susan!
    Happy to read your MM post!
    That means you really are feeling better now… (and that makes me… feel better, too! 🙂 )
    Susan, I know you said you’re going to wait until you get your energy back, but… I also know you love organization and housekeeping… (and I don’t really have confidence in those double full stops/periods at the end of that sentence you wrote 😉 ) sooo, please, promise, you really don’t worry about that door (actually, it can wait and your porch is beautiful anyway! 🙂 ) and are making sure to rest and to get well 110%! (As we Italians say! 😉 )
    ~Hugs to you and to sweet Max~
    Cecilia

  27. Susan…..I have had company and have your posts sitting in my email to catch up on…..I did not know that you were in the hospital….I am so sorry!!!…Glad you are feeling better…Just rest (know how hard that may be for you!)….Have a beautiful week Susan!!

  28. So glad you are feeling better1

    Your screen door sounds like the on-going saga of our current renovation projects.

  29. Hi Susan,
    I don’t have anything to link to your MM party but just wanted to pop by & see how you were doing. I’m glad you’re up & about & doing all those mundane chores that fill our days with simple pleasure.

    I hear you on the “simple” project dilemma! BTDT many times!

    Healing Hugs,
    Rett

  30. Your porch is so beautiful so don’t let the porch issue bother you. You’ll get the issue resolved sooner or later.

  31. Susan I am glad that you are home and doing a little better. I am glad that you are up and around, just don’t over do it and try to get some rest.

    Cynthia

  32. I’m so glad to see you’re feeling better! I love your porch-it’s exactly what I hope to have added to our house in the future. I’m a little OCD, and whenever I paint our front door I HAVE to paint the bottom or I would lay awake thinking about it. I buy those super skinny foam rollers (I think they’re 4 inch?) then lay wax paper underneath. The roller slides back and forth perfectly, and probably covers a lot better than dabbing with a paintbrush. Looking forward to seeing your porch pics this season!

  33. Glad to hear you are feeling better. I have a door to replace on my back porch too. It was damaged in a bad storm last year and I never did anything about it. Need to get on that! Thanks for hosting…Ann

  34. So glad you are feeling better, but please take it a bit easy! Thanks so much for hosting, Susan! Good luck on the screen door!

  35. Hi Susan,
    Like everyone else, I am so glad you are home and getting better every day. I was so worried about you and Max. I look forward to your posts all the time! Anyway, you know the old saying “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”? Well consider yourself sincerely flattered. As I write this I can hear the sound of the contractors working to complete my new porch and deck. I want my porch to look just like yours. I’ve already purchased my swing, Bayview fans, speakers, and some white wicker furniture. I was so disappointed that Hobby Lobby doesn’t carry the swing covers in white or cream any more. I’m still trying to find ones like yours with the snaps. Once it is completed I will send you pictures. I hope you don’t mind my imitation. Your porch will still always be the gold standard!

  36. So glad you’re doing better… scary stuff. Thanks for hosting! Little Bit

  37. Hi….so glad you’re feeling better…i know what you mean about the little things..after i smashed my foot the last day of sept i was stuck in the house this whole horrible winter…my daughter made sandwiches for the cooler by the bed with a few drinks…i lived on that for 3 months…unfortunately taking care of myself meant putting on half the weight i lost..feb i finally got off the crutches…OOOOH sweet freedom……..you’re porch in WonderFul…good thing you caught that problem when you did…love your choice of a simple door too…are you painting it white…oh and you might want to look into getting a door sweep for the bottom…one on the outside should deflect the rain away…helps with wind too…look forward to seeing the finished pix….don’t over do it.!!

  38. Susan – It is so true that sickness can make us appreciate the little things in life. I’m happy you’re feeling better. Thanks for sharing more about your screened porch (I love that little place of yours) and for hosting another party. Blessings, Patti

  39. Read about your illness yesterday, and I’m so glad you pulled out of that horrible time. Just linked up, thanks for hosting, Susan!

  40. ~Susan~
    I am so glad you are feeling better ! Yes how we learn the little things mean a lot!
    I am surprised the guy hung the door if it did not fit right to begin with?! Darn these contractors ! Right?! hehee
    Have a wonderful day!
    Paula
    In.

    • Paula, I almost stopped him but this was several months ago before Max got sick and I was afraid he’d go out on the porch and find that hole in the screen and get out. He always heads to that door first when he goes out on the porch. He’s figured out that it’s THE door to freedom. 🙂 I wish I could let him go out but we have coyotes all over the metro ATL area and they have been spotted running up and down our street at dawn and even in broad daylight. Several folks have lost their cats, just disappeared. So I let him install it to just make sure Mr. Max didn’t make a break for it when I wasn’t looking.

  41. Hi Susan! Oh, I was thrilled when I saw you had posted this morning and had Met Monday up and running! What a ordeal to find the right doors for your porch! Now you take care of yourself and don’t do too much too soon! I’m so grateful you’re out of the woods. I went to bed last night thinking about you and realize you were really at death’s door. God is so good. You and little Max will continue to be in my prayers.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 🙂

  42. Your new door looks wonderful, and I totally love your porch. So glad you are feeling better, that was a really scary disease. Thanks tons for hosting. Hugs, Marty

  43. Yes, even the simple things give pleasure when you realize you are able to still do them! I never take a day for granted. We did a bathroom fully in maple once(saw a Smallbones of Devize in England and Amish reproduced to picture) and to keep it 11 coats of marine varnish were applied. when a pipe leakedprofusely it never hurt a single piece of wood! Would a slap of water resistant coating be worthwhile (deck preservative, mvarnish or other?

  44. I’m glad to hear your are feeling better! It’s always fun to come and see your beautiful porch! Take it easy on that painting job! Have a great week!

  45. Hope you’re taking good care of yourself and getting some rest. Happy to hear that you finally found a solution to your screen door problem. Thanks so much for hosting Susan.

  46. So sorry to read of your recent illness! I will pray you continue to heal and am wishing for a speedy recovery for you. Everything else can wait and will be there when you are ready, and we will be too. 🙂 Take all the time you need because you certainly deserve it!

  47. Perfect timing on this post, I’m looking for a screen door opening from the dining room to the deck. I have a regular door there, naturally, but I want to be able to open the door on nice days without the fear of bird company.

  48. I love it when you post about that porch of yours! I have directed more folks than I can count to your blog for inspiration!

    Most of all, I’m thrilled you are on the mend!

  49. Barb from Ohio says

    Susan, so glad you are on the mend. It’s understandable that it will take a little while for you to get all your strength back. I know if I’m under the weather for a few days it’s the simple, everyday things I’m am most thankful I feel like doing again. I think I have porch envy every time I see your beautiful porch. The door is going to be perfect when you get it painted, but take it easy. We have a few days of warmer weather here in Ohio before it turns cool again for the weekend. Have a good week!

  50. I am so glad you are feeling better Susan, what a scary ordeal! Thank you so much for a wonderful party, hope you can rest up this week 🙂

    Hugs, Tanya

  51. Thanks for hosting the party, even though you’re not feeling 100% . Don’t these homes take a lot of work? Good thing it’s what you (and I) love to do. Feel Better! Cindy

  52. Every project has at least one snafu and then I wonder why I am surprised!

  53. I’d LOVE to have a screen door, but so afraid my littles are going to punch holes in it too quickly. We have a glass door, and it is super heavy like your first was, but so far, it’s been okay. We try to limit the kids going in and out at that door. Wish somebody could come up with some “kid-proof” heavy doors that are actually hangable! 🙂
    Thanks for the place to share, too. 🙂 I finally made it over here with a few posts. 🙂

  54. When it rains, it pours, huh? The new door looks great. Can’t wait to see it once it is painted. It is amazing how some of the simplest projects do get derailed and turned into long, drawn out ordeals. Looks like you weathered this one well. Hope you are feeling better soon!
    Christi

  55. Hi Susan, you’ve got me wondering how the screen doors on my back porch are doing….and if they were ever painted on the bottom. Hope the spring weather will inspire me to get out there to see what must be done. Don’t you find it’s more fun to work on your porch than inside…especially this time of year? Glad you are back and into a project that stirs us up to get ready for fun on the porch! Thanks for hosting MM as always.

  56. Nice to find you and your porch!
    Greetings from Greece!
    Eva!

  57. I’m glad you’re feeling better. In France we have a special socket so that the telephone company can make tests on the line. Because the cottage is under renovation, I’ve had to get that socket replaced three times (the last time just this morning), it’s become my nightmare, even if it’s such a simple small socket… But no Internet if this socket has a problem… boo…

  58. Susan,
    So happy to hear you are feeling better, it is not fun to be sick! You are in my prayers.

    Mary L

  59. Love your porch!!! I would spend all my time there if I had one like yours!! Don’t overdo it on the projects !! Take care of yourself. They will still be there when you are stronger!!

  60. Oh, for screened porch weather! It is dumping snow here in Colorado today…sigh. Thanks so much for hosting!

    Jeanette @ Creating a Life

  61. Hi Susan, so glad you are feeling better. I love your porch. I too have a screened in porch but it sure isn’t as pretty as yours. Isn’t this a pretty day? I love it, love the Spring. Love my two dogs, my husband, kids and sweet grandchildren. Love you and Max. Take care and enjoy a nap on the porch!

  62. Susan, I’m so glad to hear you are feeling better. That’s great news!

    And the answer is yes, there are some projects that seem to go on forever. And when they finally end, you want to do a happy dance. 🙂

    Getting ready to leave to go do all sorts of work on a property we own. Have workmen lined up to Kingdom Come.

    You take good care and get to feeling much, much better, and don’t worry about replying to my email. I just want you and Max to feel better soon.

    XO,

    Sheila

  63. Glad you are feeling better! LOVE your beautiful screened porch! Thank you so much for hosting!

  64. I LOVE your porch 😉 Glad you got the door fixed. Those things always seem to take forever! Thanks for hosting 😉
    Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com

  65. Marilyn in Mt. Vernon, VA says

    Susan, it’s so wonderful to hear that your life is returning to normal…yes, it’s the little things that when deprived of them makes us joyous when they return. Love to you and your Max.

  66. Good to hear the weather and your health are improving! I had a chuckle at how long projects take to get done, I call mine the never ending stories. Just a thought, but perhaps after you paint, you could seal the bottom section of the door with an outdoor clear coat. I know you probably use really good paint, but it might just give it a better chance against the weather. Take care and enjoy the subshine, Max and the bird songs. Patty/BC

  67. Hi Susan, it’s that joy in being able to those mundane tasks again that puts everything into perspective. So happy to hear you’re on the mend!
    Hugs to you & Max.

  68. If you are thinking about screen doors tells me you must be on the mend.

    When I started my bathroom remodel my plumber was in an accident and broke his back. They just kept telling me they would get to me. I knew something was wrong, but I could not figure out what is was. Turns out he forbade the workers to speak about it. He was a friend of my boss so I was in a spot. He finally got well enough to instruct his workers to get out here and finish the job. All turned out well for him and for me, but it was a mess while it was going on. I hate remodel and repair for this very reason.

  69. Mary from Virginia says

    A project already? You are the strongest girl I know! I think the wood screen door is great and I am certain you will have it painted in no time.

    Being sick does make us thankful for the little things in life that seemed a problem before. Continue to take it easy. I am SO glad you up and around.

    • Mary, no projects. Those pics were taken weeks ago, except for the one with the plastic over the door. I was saving them until the door was painted but decided to just go ahead and share it now.

  70. Ann Krucek says

    I am so surprised to see MMM up and running full speed ahead! I so hope you are taking care of yourself and not running full speed yet!! Wow, you were through the ringer this past week. Take Care! Enjoy yourself (and Max!) on your beautiful porch!

  71. Hi Susan,
    I just read your last post and am so sorry to hear of all that you went through-that must have been so scary.Happy to hear you are doing better now.This seems to be happening too often with our food now.
    Hope you enjoy lots of days on your beautiful porch.
    Carolyn

  72. BamaCarol says

    So glad you are feeling better. Doesn’t it help to have Max with you too to help with the recovery? My kitty boy is such a sweetie when I’m not feeling well. And I love the sound of a wooden screen door – one of the best sounds in the world! I know you will be glad to have this project finished. I have been waiting several weeks on a contractor to come replace a toilet and caulk some windows for me. It is almost like they do not need the work!

  73. Hi Susan, I am so glad to hear you are feeling a little better and I hope you get your strength back soon. Your door dilema is terrible! I can’t believe how poorly they made the vinyl door!!!!!!!!!! I really like your new one. Thanks again for hosting. How is Max? I bet he is ATTACHED to your hip after you were gone for a few days!!! Poor baby. XO, Pinky

  74. Thanks for hosting! Glad you are feeling better and have a little bit more energy. Have a happy week. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

  75. What did I tell you about resting? 😡 Hmph! I’m glad you got your door fixed and I hope it does the trick. Water can be such a hassle. But to answer your question, YES, I’ve often had projects that seemed like they should be simple, quick and easy turn into hair-pulling-out ordeals. In fact, this very day I was trying to make a simple email flyer and you’d think I was building a rocket ship, from instructions in hieroglyphics! Ugh! It’s after 10:30 and I am just now stopping to ‘relax’ for the day, lol. And I’m not even finished – I have to tackle it again tomorrow. 🙁

    But considering what you just went through .. and what the folks in Boston are dealing with, my email flyer issues are not a problem.

    I’m glad you’re feeling better, but you still need to GET SOME REST! (You can’t see me, but my arms are folded, so I mean business.) :p

    • lol Yes, Ma’am…Max and I are headed to bed now. Don’t worry, all those door pics were taken weeks ago…I was just waiting until it was painted to create the post. Decided to post it anyway, so I promise I’m not working on projects right now. Still cramping too much for that, I’m afraid.

  76. Oh, I’m so sorry you are still cramping. That’s awful. 🙁 I hope they gave you some indication of what you might expect from this and that there won’t be too many more repercussions. Holding Max helps, I know. 😉

  77. Cyndy Cook says

    NEW INDIEGOGO CAMPAIGN TO HELP SUPPORT MAX’S CANCER TREATMENTS!
    Hi Susan and hello to my fellow BNOTP fans! I have been reading this blog for some time now and like most of you I now think of Susan as a friend, even though we’ve never met! As a Mom with 4 busy kids, reading Susan’s blog is one of the few things that I do solely for myself (although the kids and my hubby love the holiday decorating ideas and recipes, too!) and reading the comments from all of you really makes it feel like a special community even though some of us aren’t even on the same continent at the moment. Like most of you I was very saddened to hear of poor little Max’s devastating diagnosis. I know how important he is to our friend and I kept wishing that there was something I could do to help — then Susan happened to mention in passing how the cost of his treatment had already surpassed $5,000! This is an enormous financial obligation, but how do you put a price on the unconditional love and companionship that such a beloved pet brings? That is why I have created an indiegogo campaign so those of us who can might be able to contribute to the cost of his medical care. With Susan’s permission, I am sharing the link here: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/please-help-max–2/x/764449 All money raised, minus indiegogo’s modest administrative fee will be passed directly on to Susan to help defray Max’s vet bill. Please help if you can because even the smallest amount will help, but don’t fret if you cannot. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly at cynccook at yahoo dot com if you have any question!
    ~Thank you,
    Cyndy Cook
    Akron, Ohio

  78. Susan,
    Hope you are better each and every day. It is no fun being sick and seeing things you wish you could do.

    I wanted to advise you to install a ” Wright Products 50 in. Zinc Turnbuckle “. It is available at the orange big box store and local hardware stores too. It runs diagonally from the hinge side to the latch side bottom corner. It keeps the door from sagging and needing to be “nudged” open. After you paint you can install it and the light silver color (or spray paint white) is not noticeable. It keeps the door square and tight. You are skilled enough to install it yourself, when fully re-cooped.
    I have one on my front screen door and will see if I can send you a picture.
    rick

    • Thanks, Rick. Appreciate that info. I think the door would do better with that extra support. I just don’t want anything on there that’s makes it close automatically, like you see on some storm doors.

  79. Whew! I am glad that you and your blog are still around! It’s been a favorite inspriration of mine for a long time. I still want a screened porch “some day” and would love it to look like yours.

    I looked for a picture to send to an aunt and almost didn’t come up with your blog and thought it was gone. I was so happy to find it again!

    And it was really interesting to read this post about how you maintain it and had to fix the door. Great article as usual!

    Regards,

    • Thanks, Dawn! I just had it repainted for the first time this past summer. It had been 6 years. If I didn’t have so many trees in the backyard, it probably wouldn’t have needed it. But we get so much rain and with the humidity and trees, the paint need a little freshening up. But it’s done great, otherwise.

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