The Fence Post

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

My time in France ended, and I have returned safely to the USA and home. I could easily have stayed longer. I truly enjoyed city life. But upon my return, I was thrilled to see all the leaves in their glorious splendor in rural New Hampshire, and the midges had gone! When I left in early May, the trees were bare, and the midges were awful.

The Beauty of Returning Home

Everything grew two feet while I was away. Though luscious and beautiful, it’s a bit of a jungle. I’m beginning to think a gardener would be an excellent addition to life or a condo where they maintain the grounds. I don’t see myself moving into a condo for at least another twenty years, so a part-time gardener is needed unless I am content to let my property go wild!

I saw some fantastic gardens in Toulouse. All the many city parks had flowers, shrubs, and benches, and people sat and enjoyed their beauty. I wrote many emails sitting on park benches while the children played. I will miss those and the sidewalk cafes with their delicious espressos. I will find ways to work away from my home—in gardens, parks, or the local general store. The challenge for me is to make myself leave the house! I will make it happen, though. It’s good for my well being.

Fencing Up for Summer

AND I will be able to see more fences!

Speaking of which, it’s probably getting time for you to visit Louis E. Page again and “fence-up” for the Summer.

All my best regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (So 131 years ago our family ancestor Louis E. founded the company.)

P.S. Let’s make this summer beautiful and secure with the right fencing!

Ramparts, Châteaux, and Miles of Wildlife Fencing

Carcassonne! Oh, my! It’s the great walled city in Southern France. I took the Toulouse City Tour bus east to this medieval citadel, La Cité. It’s the walled rampart within the city—another magnificent structure. I LOVE France. I’ll be back someday.

The Journey to Carcassonne

Along the way, behold completely different fencing—woven wire mesh all along the highway. An interesting observation: I didn’t see any road kill. Though the fencing was the standard five-foot, which I know deer can jump over, I spotted no road kill. Miles and miles of fencing obviously do a great job of deterring wildlife from attempting to cross the highway. Let’s advocate for more fencing along the highways of the United States. I’ll start in New Hampshire. Will you join me in your state?

Exploring Carcassonne

Now, let’s delve back into the adventure of Carcassonne and the incredible Château Comtal. You must navigate past the tourist traps of souvenir shops that line the cobblestone streets. I was so captivated by the surroundings that I wanted to buy wooden swords, bows, and arrows for the grands, but I resisted, wondering how we would fit them into our suitcases.

I walked the entire circumference of the castle, up and down the stairs, peering through the glassless windows. From one vantage point, I could see the Pyrenees and snow on what looked like a ski slope. It was a clear and gorgeous day, and the sky was a fabulous cerulean blue, my favorite. A light breeze kept me comfortable the whole day.

The Beauty of Carcassonne

In one of the castle's rooms, they displayed the large, heavy stones or balls they used in the catapults. The fireplaces were huge, large enough to hold a bit of furniture and several people.

One thing I will buy when we return is the board game Carcassonne. My daughter-in-law and I love a good board game, and according to friends and reviews, this one will delight us for hours.

Woven Wildlife Fencing

Here are our choices for woven wildlife fencing. Find the one that best suits your needs, and let’s start your project!

All my best,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (It adds up to over 131 years owned and run by our family. Think about it: Nobody stays around in business that long without really supporting customers so they want to come back!)

P.S. Let’s make our highways safer with effective wildlife fencing!

Rivers, Stone Fences, and the Brick Fortress

We took the train to Albi, an hour northeast of Toulouse. We passed miles and miles of one of my favorite fences, primarily green, some black, and even white. We crossed rivers and beautiful countryside.

The Journey to Albi

I am amazed at how much fencing contributes to our world. Though we passed a small section of vinyl-coated chain link, most of the fencing was what we sell as Prism Fence. It's super attractive.

The Grandeur of Sainte-Cecil d’Albi Cathedral

As we arrived in the city of Albi, the sight of the Sainte-Cecil d’Albi Cathedral left us in awe. This massive castle-like structure, the largest brick structure in the world, dating back to the 13th century, stood before us. It's also the largest painted cathedral in the world--five acres of paintings! The sheer size and all-brick construction were unlike anything I've ever seen. It's an experience that will forever be etched in my memory.

This massive structure took 200 years to build and is one of the world's most magnificent wonders.

The cathedral's “Treasury” is housed above the main floor, and access is only through a stone spiral staircase. Up and up, we wound to the two rooms of the Treasury, which contained magnificent paintings, icons, and gold treasures of the church.

The Beauty of Stone Fences

One of the cathedral's most captivating features is the white stone fence, a true stone lace that separates the choir from the nave. The intricacy of its details is so remarkable that it's hard to fathom how any human being could have carved it. For me, this unique architectural element is not just a testament to the craftsmanship of the time but a personal testament to the beauty and artistry of human hands.

So, my day was filled with fences inside and out. It was the first time I saw a carved stone fence. I failed to mention that when you stand outside this massive structure on the Tarn River, you can look over the river to the brick factories on the hill. This journey, with its myriad of fences and the grandeur of the cathedral, has left an indelible mark on my memory, and I hope it does the same for you.

Discover Prism Fence

Check out our Prism fence. It’s practical, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to install.

My warmest regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (True! That’s 131 years owned and run by our family.)

P.S. Explore the beauty and practicality of Prism fence for your next project!

Color and Magnificence in Every Entrance

The doors of Toulouse are grand and magnificent and colorful. I'm snapping photos right and left.

The Historic Streets of Toulouse

The rues of Toulouse span out from le Capitole. It's almost a maze of these old historic cobblestone streets spoking off from the large plaza where the capitol building stands.

Some of the doors are quite tall and wide, obviously reminiscent of the carriage doors that allowed for tall, stately horse-pulled carriages. How I long to live in those days. My son is quick to point out the smells that accompanied those days!

The Beauty of Wrought Iron

The French are fond of wrought iron and being one of my favorite things, I'm drawn to it like bees to nectar. These grand doors often have panels of wrought iron, which magnify the beauty while adding visualization into the courtyard and out to the rue. I'm trying hard to envision the original courtyards.

The colors I've seen: many hues of blue from the French blue to royal blue, greens, reds, yellow, brown, black, grey. They truly delight the senses.

Many doors appear to have their original knockers and handles. I plan to create a webpage with my pictures. I'll keep you posted.

Security and Beauty Combined

Back to wrought iron, all of the security fences I've seen are iron or wrought iron and they're glorious. Of course, they offer utmost security. I love security and beauty combined.

We now offer security fencing made of aluminum and steel. Keep your property and your clients’ property safe from intruders!

Color and Magnificence in Every Entrance

The doors of Toulouse are grand and magnificent and colorful. I'm snapping photos right and left.

The Historic Streets of Toulouse

The rues of Toulouse span out from le Capitole. It's almost a maze of these old historic cobblestone streets spoking off from the large plaza where the capitol building stands.

Some of the doors are quite tall and wide, obviously reminiscent of the carriage doors that allowed for tall, stately horse-pulled carriages. How I long to live in those days. My son is quick to point out the smells that accompanied those days!

The Beauty of Wrought Iron

The French are fond of wrought iron and being one of my favorite things, I'm drawn to it like bees to nectar. These grand doors often have panels of wrought iron, which magnify the beauty while adding visualization into the courtyard and out to the rue. I'm trying hard to envision the original courtyards.

The colors I've seen: many hues of blue from the French blue to royal blue, greens, reds, yellow, brown, black, grey. They truly delight the senses.

Many doors appear to have their original knockers and handles. I plan to create a webpage with my pictures. I'll keep you posted.

Security and Beauty Combined

Back to wrought iron, all of the security fences I've seen are iron or wrought iron and they're glorious. Of course, they offer utmost security. I love security and beauty combined.

We now offer security fencing made of aluminum and steel. Keep your property and your clients’ property safe from intruders!

Bringing Beauty Back

I am looking for a source for wrought iron in the States. Let's bring this beauty back!

Bonjour!

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (So 131 years ago our family ancestor Louis E. founded the company.)

P.S. Stay tuned for my webpage featuring the doors of Toulouse!

I am looking for a source for wrought iron in the States. Let's bring this beauty back!

Bonjour!

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (So 131 years ago our family ancestor Louis E. founded the company.)

P.S. Stay tuned for my webpage featuring the doors of Toulouse!

Language, the Beauty and the Beast

It’s been interesting to be in a country where English is not spoken. Though we have met a few French people who speak English, they are primarily young. And none of the written signs or menus are bilingual. Using my translating app has been helpful and comical.

A Morning Adventure

This morning, I decided to go out strolling the back alleys alone. Every store and cafe I passed was closed. I wasn’t sure if it was because it’s Monday and most things close on Mondays or because it was still early. I found one little shop open. I wandered inside. They had a collection of vegetables and fruits, homemade bread, muffins, and marvelous imported olive oil (I know because I bought some and have already sampled it.)

The owner, fluent in English, struck up a conversation with me, and when he found out I lived in New Hampshire his eyes lit up, and he told me he had lived in Vermont with his family for a while. He brought over a bottle of maple syrup for me to look at. It was from Island Pond, Vermont!

When I checked out, I had a lovely conversation with his wife. Both were beautiful, warm, loving, and genuinely interesting people. Their presence blessed my day, and I left with a glow. I was super happy I had ventured out my door this morning. You never know who you will meet or what you will learn.

The Language Barrier

On the playground the other day, my three-year-old guy was playing hide and seek from me. I called out, “Where are you?” Immediately, a tiny little girl told her mama, “She said, ‘Where are you?’” Her mother smiled and gave her a satisfactory answer. Later, I started a conversation with the mother, who spoke English quite well. She explained that her daughter, who is three, speaks Portuguese, French, and German! When the daughter heard my language, she asked her mother what language I was talking about! Imagine speaking three languages by the time you are three!

On the way home, as I reflected on the goodness of these people, I thought about the language barrier. It can be a beast if you don’t understand one another. But, oh, the beauty when you can communicate. Though both of my morning acquaintances were fluent in English, it was the love that shone through their every word that touched my heart.

Fences: Barriers and Beauty

Fences can be barriers and beautiful at the same time. Some of my favorite uses of the wire mesh are as panels ensconced in wooden frames. Some of our customers have created excellent barriers for yards, swimming pools, and gardens using panels. Check out how to order panels.

When you create your fence projects, please share pictures with us!

Call Terry today at 978-486-3116 (or tap to call) and place your order!

All my best,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (It adds up to over 131 years owned and run by our family. Think about it: Nobody stays around in business that long without really supporting customers so they want to come back!)

P.S. Share your fence project pictures with us—we’d love to see your creations!