The Fence Post

How restful are your Sundays?

I love Sundays because they allow me to rest and restore my spirit, my soul, and my inner being. Most of us rush through the week, including Saturday. There’s always something to do to keep us fast-tracking through the day, but then Sunday arrives. It’s time to take a deep breath of relief. Your rest has come.

For many people, Sunday is the day for worshipping and coming together with like-minded people. They may gather in a church, a home, or on a mountaintop, but they gather and encourage one another. They sing familiar songs or hymns in worship.

Singing, especially singing as a group or congregation, has tremendous benefits. It releases endorphins and oxytocin, the feel-good hormones. Singing boosts your mood and increases your pain threshold. It reduces stress and helps your mental health. I’ve started singing throughout my day. It’s a fantastic exercise that brings joy and relaxation.

I recommend gathering with others on Sundays and singing together. Both will boost your mood. Every Sunday, as I prepare for worship, I remind myself of the third of the Ten Commandments: “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.”

Take time for yourself. Make rest a part of your week. Sing to your heart’s content.

Does this have anything to do with fencing? Perhaps you can think about Psalm 100:4, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” Each time you walk through a gate, stop, reflect on God's goodness, and sing praises.

Call Terry T@C about your latest fence project. If you know and appreciate her as I do, sing her praises! You’ll make her day.

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)

How do you give a highway a big heart?

I want to give an immense shoutout to readers Laurel and Johnny for taking the time to share their comments on Friday’s email. The email resonated with both of them. Thank you for letting me know!

The other day, I was driving down a highway in Maine, and something caught my eye—a fence running alongside the road. I notice these things as someone who’s been around fences for a long time. But this wasn’t just any fence. This one had a story.

Imagine this: You’re a wild deer, or maybe a moose, wandering in your natural habitat, minding your own business, when suddenly you come upon a highway. Cars zooming by, nowhere to cross safely. It’s a heartbreaking reality for so many wild animals who lose their way and, sadly, their lives in these situations. But that’s where these special fences come in.

Duncan and I once had a super close call when driving in Vermont around nine o’clock at night. Suddenly, we were looking at the tall dark legs of a moose. The animal was so tall that our low-sitting station wagon was beneath the body of the animal. To this day, I don’t know how we avoided a collision. It was one of those times our guardian angels were protecting us!

Along highways all across the country, they’re building fences with a purpose—to guide wildlife away from danger and protect them (and us drivers!) from accidents. I love the thought that something as simple as a fence can do so much good. There’s a stretch of highway near I-95 in Maine that’s a shining example. Since they put up the fencing our customer provided, accidents and wildlife deaths have dropped.

Some states provide safe crossing points for wildlife, but I didn’t see one on this highway. Crossing points are expensive to build, and not all states are doing it. It’s a worthy cause to support.

It’s just one of those moments that reminds me why I love what I do. Fences aren’t just about marking territory or keeping things in place—they can also create harmony between humans and nature.

At Louis E. Page, we’re proud to supply the kind of fencing that serves a purpose beyond the everyday. Whether you’re securing a project or contributing to a cause that’s bigger than all of us, we’ve got the materials you need.

If you ever want to chat about these amazing projects or need help with your next order, I’m just a call or email away. And Terry is always ready with a smile to take your call. T2C

All my best regards in gratitude,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc–Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (That’s right! A little more than 131 years ago our family ancestor Louis Everett Page founded the company in Boston)

Intriguing, adorable, annoying

Raccoons with their masked eyes and almost humanlike paws are adorable. Can I say that about wild animals? Baby animals are cute, though I have yet to see the young of all mammals. Through the centuries, people have assigned human characteristics to nonhumans, called “anthropomorphism.” We may see animals this way until their behavior proves otherwise.

This was the case with the curious raccoon lurking around Ramona’s tent one night while camping in the White Mountains. At first glance, she thought, “Oh, how adorable.” She was young and naive. She fell back asleep and woke to quite a bit of noise. Peering through the tent door, she watched the raccoon eating her ground beef from the ice chest! Yep, it's not cute anymore!

I thought everyone knew that food must be out of the reach of wild animals, including bears, raccoons, squirrels, and mice. My sister ignored my warnings when she left her cat food in a covered container outside. It only took one night for the raccoon to discover it and eat to its heart’s content. She was at the back glass door locking up when she came face to face, albeit through the glass, with a very full and satisfied raccoon. She was shocked that it had opened the container.

I love wild animals, but I certainly don’t want them damaging my crops or orchards or helping themselves to my animal feed. Fences will do their part, but the rest depends on your common sense.

Are you looking to protect your property from wild beasts? Wire mesh comes in a wide assortment of opening sizes, gauges, heights, and finishes. Louis Page has exactly what you need.

Call Terry, our fence expert. T2C Solve your fencing needs today!

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)

The Mystery of the Mesmerized Highland Cattle

In the summer of 2000, Duncan, my cherished late husband, and proprietor of Louis Page, whisked me away on a spellbinding journey to Scotland for our honeymoon.

August draped the Scottish landscape in a cloak of enchantment as we ventured from the east coast and meandered our way north, west, and south, tracing the contours of the breathtaking coastline. It was a time of unparalleled beauty to be in Scotland, with the local children returning to school, leaving behind tranquil sites for us to explore in blissful solitude.

The weather, too, favored our escapade, with bonnie sunshine gracing our every moment, save for a gentle mist that veiled the air on the eve of our departure.

Duncan, renowned for his penchant for unearthing hidden pathways and off-road escapades, delighted me at every turn. We ascended hills, traversed pastures, and followed babbling brooks, our journey punctuated by encounters with quaint cattle-crossing bridges and picturesque scenes.

Each morning, we would visit the local grocer, selecting an array of cheeses and a freshly baked loaf of bread to fill our picnic basket before setting off in search of the authentic pulse of local life.

One particular day has etched itself vividly into my memory. As we wound our way down a narrow, stone-walled lane, the forest enveloped us in a serene embrace, whispering secrets of centuries past.

Suddenly, as if conjured by the very magic of the land, a quaint stone bridge emerged before us, its ancient facade barely wider than a footpath. Below, a gathering of Highland cattle stood in silent communion, their majestic forms forming a perfect circle, their intentions shrouded in mystery.

Parking our car by the roadside, we approached the wire fence that bordered the pasture, drawn by curiosity to unravel the enigma before us.

And then, amidst the tranquil backdrop of nature's symphony, we heard it—the roaring of a chainsaw.

At that moment, the cattle slowly and deliberately stepped back as if to give us a glimpse into the sacred gathering. Our eyes traced the source of the sound to the figure of an old, weathered farmer, his rugged frame silhouetted against the verdant backdrop as he embarked on cutting logs from a felled tree.

Yet, not the farmer nor his labor captivated us, but the solemn congregation of the Highland cattle, their sober gaze fixed upon the unfolding scene. They were in harmony, and neither were bothered by the presence of the other. Cattle and Farmer understood one another.

At that moment, amidst the rustling leaves and murmuring brooks, it felt as though time held its breath, as if the land's very essence had converged to witness the age-old dance between man and nature.

As the old tree yielded to the relentless onslaught of the chainsaw’s biting teeth, falling to the earth repurposed for the cook stove, the Highland cattle stood as silent sentinels, guardians of a timeless bond that transcended the bounds of comprehension.

In the hallowed embrace of Scotland's ancient landscape, Duncan and I shared a fleeting glimpse into the ineffable harmony between humankind and the natural world—a harmony woven into the fabric of existence, echoing across the ages in whispers carried on the wind.

Although our journey may have ended, the memories we forged amidst Scotland's rolling hills and misty moors would endure, forever etched upon the tapestry of our hearts.

Did you notice mention of “the wire fence that bordered the pasture” above? That wise old farmer was not so entranced by the romance of his surroundings that he neglected to protect his herd.

And neither will you. Order yours from my website. There's a sale on - worth a peek to see if what you want can be scooped up: https://louispage.com

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc–Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (Sigh! Notice how fast businesses and management can collapse these days? Better you deal with a business under family management that’s stood the test of time… 130 years!)

The prancing predator

He was too busy dancing around the hen house to notice the intruder. When he came face to face with Daniel, the fox was too stunned to dart away. That pesky, sly fox was back again. He’s already eaten 15 hens! It didn’t take long for him to realize he was up against something more significant than him.

The hen house or pen is brand new this time, and the fox can’t get in. Daniel came up with a new plan, and it’s working! The entire coop is made of hoop posts, like a high tunnel. He built a high tunnel for the chickens and covered it with black vinyl-coated hexagonal netting. It’s pretty lovely, and as I said, it works!

I like having the chickens enclosed in the netting. That way, the children can feed them through the openings without fear of getting zapped by an electric fence. The baby is enthralled with these creatures. We sat outside the pen for a while, listening to the high-pitched chirps and trills.

I love watching these children grow up with cows and chickens on a farm. Who knows what else the family will add to their menagerie? They are talking about hogs. I’m talking about horses. Every child needs an old horse to play with on a farm.

Do you want to raise hens for eggs and roosters for meat? Take a cue from Daniel. This hoop tunnel works much better than an electric fence for keeping out predators.

Call Terry at 978-486-3116. T2C Let her help you decide which wire mesh you need.

Kind Regards,

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!)