Yet Another Blog

http://BananaP.blogspot.com

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Door Knob Update

You will be thrilled to know that Nick has completed his door knob S.E.P.R program (Survey, Evaluate, Procure, and Re-install).

After surveying all upstairs doors and evaluating the door knob needs, he voted for door knobs that could be easily and affordably procured at Home Depot. He brought home and installed a variety of knobs - "crystal", brass, and his least favorite, cheap white metal.

I voted for white porcelain door knobs to match those already in existence in our home. Having a bit of time on my hands, I did some internet research and the cheapest porcelain knobs I found were just under $60.00.

Given the price, not including shipping, Nick rejected this option.

I adamantly rejected the crystal knobs. Lovely, yes. Affordable, of course. However, they did not go with the house. For those of you who have been here, it's a pretty simple old country house (I'm sure that's not the correct architectural description). The crystal knobs just looked too fancy for our humble abode.

This past weekend, our dear friend Elizabeth came to visit from Massachusetts. In my only non-medical outing since January 8th, we took her for a quick spin through our town. We made a brief stop at the Tomato Factory, a local antiques "mall." As we were wandering through the dozens of rooms, Elizabeth looked down and in a surprised voice said "Oh, there are your door knobs."

And, she was right. At our feet was a bucket filled to the brim with antique door knobs. Crystal knobs, wooden knobs, and our beloved porcelain knobs. We bought 2 pairs, for less than one set of new knobs would have cost us.

Nick spent the rest of the day installing knobs, planing uneven doors, and rehanging all upstair doors.

Amazingly, all upstairs doors now close and reopen easily. All have lovely antique porcelain knobs. And, our bathroom door even locks.

Thanks Nick!!

The Great Door Knob Survey

I am fortunate to be married to such a handy guy. Not only handy, but methodical. These two qualities are lovely in a spouse when the two of you own an old house.

The other night Nick was going around the house with a pad of paper, pen in hand, evaluating our door knob situation. Who knew we even had a door knob situation? Nick was concerned that some doors didn't close; others only had mismatched knobs; and that the door to our guest room - if closed - could not be opened from the inside.* (This, of course, is not very hospitable to our guest... but a tricky way for us to keep our guests visiting longer.)

The next night, Nick asked me in a very concerned voice "Did you take the door knob survey?" Door knob survey? I quickly envisioned a door knob survey:

Please rate how you like the following door knobs. Circle the appropriate number next to each knob.
5: I always like the doorknob
4: I mostly like the doorknob
3: I like the doorknob
2: I sometimes like the doorknob
1: I never like the doorknob
N/A

Downstairs Bathroom doorknob: 5 4 3 2 1 n/a
Upstairs Bathroom doorknob: 5 4 3 2 1 n/a
Bedroom doorknob: 5 4 3 2 1 n/a
Guest Room doorknob: 5 4 3 2 1 n/a
_________________________________________________________________

Well, you get the idea. I got very excited and wanted to take such a survey (anything to make bedrest more exciting). However, upon further explanation - Nick did not create an actual survey for his spouse to take - he was referring the list he made, evaluating the doorknobs. Drats.

But the project is keeping him busy. After trial and error with a few Home Depot knobs, we've realized that only porcelain knobs (see picture above) will do. Sadly, they are about $56 more than the $3 knobs from Home Depot.

So, if anyone has come across any old white porcelain knobs in their attics, we'd be very interested in taking them off your hands.



*Amy Cooper came to visit this summer and got locked in her room. Crafty Amy used her credit card to "break out" of said guest room.