Jill's Journal: Door’s open, come on in

If you haven’t stopped by the Brandon Valley Journal office over the past few months, then it’s likely you haven’t seen the “screen door” to our entrance.

But many of you have, and boy, has it grabbed your attention, or should I say, perplexed some of you.

The “screen door” is a seasonal netting that’s intended to keep the bugs and birds out and let the fresh air in. It closes – most of the time – by magnetic force. (Now that’s a line I haven’t used much in my lifetime.)

Although the intent of the “screen door” is to keep the flies and barn swallows out of the office, it’s also acted as an unintentional barrier to keeping some of our customers from simply turning the knob and walking through the door. We’ve been keeping a watchful eye out for many of our office visitors. We’ve seen you peek in the windows or stand there with a puzzled look, and then turn and walk away.

And every time, we’ve come a running to summon you through the “magic screen door.”

Our office visitors have also been an inquisitive bunch.

“Are you in quarantine?” we’ve been asked.

“How do I get in there?” is another line we’ve heard multiple times. 

“Just walk through the middle,” is our automatic response.

Albeit hesitant, they do, and most are a bit giddy about their unique entry.

We even have a couple of kiddos who accompanies their dad to the Journal office to drop off their weekly “Pick the Pigskin” entry. They think our “screen door” is the bomb, and really enjoy “coming and going” multiple times.

There have been occasions when customers stand outside and look through the net. Now we know how the bears and zebras and other wildlife at the zoo feel. And just like the zoo attractions, you can “feed these animals, too.”

Once customers have walked through our “screen door,” we’ve seen faces light up with amazement and we’ve answered a slew of questions about where we found such a thing. The staff and I have joked that we should buy up a bunch, somehow add our Brandon Valley Journal logo to them, and sell them for profit. 

I’m not sure that would be a get-rich-quick business plan, but we’re keeping the idea tucked in the back of our minds just in case.

As the thermometer begins its descent, the “screen door” will likely be coming down for the season soon. We’re not giving in just yet, as the weatherman is forecasting warmer temps in the days to come. So, if you’re curious, stop by and take a step through our magic “screen door.”

Who would’ve ever thought a seasonal “screen door” could cause so much commotion. I’m just glad this is one door that you can’t slam.