The Fence Post

The Moon is Crossing Between the Sun and the Earth. What are the animals doing?

Let's seize the moment and dive into the cosmic spectacle - a celestial event that won't grace our skies again until August 2026! Let’s go out and experience it. Living in New Hampshire puts me in a fortunate position. Nevertheless, I'm poised in a prime spot to witness the breathtaking allure of the eclipse. Meanwhile, my friends from Atlanta have embarked on a journey to Waco, Texas. One among them, an avid astronomer, is intent on immersing himself in the complete totality of this astronomical marvel.

Scientists ask, “What do the wildlife do during a solar eclipse?” This question came from scientists in 1932 when they called for people to share their observations. If you are interested in observing wildlife during the eclipse, you may notice the nocturnal birds become active: owls hooting, wild turkeys roosting (they are often in my trees from dusk until early dawn), pigeons returning to their cotes (I’m getting frillback pigeons once I build a cote for them.) Maybe your bird feeders become vacant of their frequent visitors, flowers close up, or your outdoor kitties come for dinner.

I’m certainly planning to be on the lookout for the wildlife around me. I’m hoping to see THE eagle. I say THE because I wonder if I see the same one each time. As I was driving across the bridge that crosses the stream, the eagle appeared in front of the car, with it’s huge wingspan (up to seven and a half feet) it seemingly guided me along the road until it diverted to fly over the lake. What a majestic sight. I always think of Duncan when I see an eagle.

For those inclined to share their observations with a wider audience, there's an opportunity to contribute to iNaturalist - an esteemed platform that unites biologists, naturalists, and enthusiasts alike in documenting the rich tapestry of biodiversity. I myself have recently joined its ranks, spurred by my passion for butterflies. With a few clicks, I can explore a treasure trove of sightings, not only of New Hampshire's vibrant butterfly population but also a myriad of other natural wonders.

I’m heading to my son’s mountain top farm where a group of kindred spirits await to experience the solar eclipse. About 15 people made up of young families are coming for a viewing and a potluck, including Daniels’ famous brisket. Everything is still covered with several inches of snow, but the viewing will be awe-inspiring.Already the azure hues of blue birds hover around their houses, so I’ll keep an eye out for their behavior.

As for fencing, I won’t be too focused on that, even though I won’t be able to dismiss the ice damage done to Daniel’s fence a couple of weeks ago.

What do you need from me to make your decision to install a fence easier? We have an extensive catalog of deer, sheep and goat, and wildlife fencing. Check out our website for details or call Terry at 978-486-3116 to learn more.

Warm 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)

A Japanese influence in Toulouse

You never know what you’ll find when you walk out your front door or, to quote J.R.R. Tolkien:

“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

We were swept off our feet today as we walked through the bustling downtown. Motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles zipped past us, and the little guy stopped to look at and comment on each one. Our destination was the Japanese garden, about a mile and a half away. It took us over an hour to get there. We were walking at a snail’s pace!

It wasn’t dangerous business for us, and our step out the door took us to a gorgeous Japanese garden.

The gardens were beautiful with bamboo, azaleas, a red-painted bridge typical of Japanese gardens, and yellow irises. Open green spaces encouraged visitors to relax, read, and picnic. A pond that circled an island was home to koi and turtles. Watching the brilliant orange koi eating grass at the water’s edge was amusing.

The Japanese are known for raking sand or gravel to represent water. This garden had a large area of freshly raked gravel that was beautiful. It’s very relaxing to gaze at this. Once in my life, I’ve witnessed a person raking sand and thoroughly enjoying it.

Bamboo grows throughout the garden, and some of the dense patches serve as fences in areas. I spotted vinyl-coated 2x4 welded wire mesh used to grow shrubs and vines. Again, I saw the wooden sand fence used to mark boundaries, but it was only 18-24 inches high this time. Security fencing marked the perimeter of the garden.

We now offer security fencing and can help you decide what you need for your perimeter fencing.

Call Terry @ 978-486-3116 (tap to call) to discuss your fencing needs. She loves to help you!

Warm 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)

Rats on the rooftop

Here’s something I didn’t know before one of our customers—a major pest control company—came to us: there’s a real problem with rats on the roofs of commercial buildings!

You read that right: rats love hanging out on rooftops, especially in large urban areas. This pest control company contracts with us to purchase our Italian-made vinyl-coated 16 gauge 1/2x1/2 wire mesh, which they use to build custom traps to prevent rats from causing damage to commercial properties.

The mesh they use is perfect for the job—it’s strong and durable and can withstand the elements while keeping those pesky critters out. Once installed, the traps effectively block rats from making their way into vents, HVAC systems, and other areas where they can wreak havoc. Thanks to the quality of our mesh, the traps are reliable and long-lasting, ensuring the building stays protected.

It’s amazing to think about how versatile wire mesh can be, isn’t it? Whether it’s fencing for farms, securing solar farms, or keeping rats off rooftops, our products are built to handle the job.

If you’ve got a unique project in mind, or you’re just looking for the best materials to protect your property, we’ve got you covered with wire mesh solutions that get the job done. And if you want to learn more, you can always call Terry, our fence expert, at 978-486-3116 for advice on your next project!

Kind Regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc–Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (131 years of continuous service through 2 world wars and 2 pandemics)

A-Mazing company beats us out at 173 years

This week, I had the privilege of talking to Al at Maze Nails. We were sourcing a new product for a government contract. My jaw dropped when he told me his company is 173 years old! And I thought Louis Page was old at 131 years. We’re a mere child! They were in their 42nd year when Louis Page started his company.

My commitment to American companies is unwavering, and I am dedicated to supporting them whenever possible. However, the reality is that the availability of made-in-USA products in our industry is dwindling. The recent acquisition of a major player in the wire mesh industry, leading to the cessation of in-country wire mesh production, was a sobering reminder of this fact.

Certain products are no longer manufactured in America. Hexagonal wire (aka chicken wire), apron fence, and hardware cloth are the three that come to mind. As we submit bids for government contracts in our industry, they always specify “American-made.” I am super proud of this! “I am proud to be an American” rolls off my tongue when I say this, and I automatically break into song!

I thank my lucky stars

To be living here today

'Cause the flag still stands for freedom

And they can't take that away

And I'm proud to be an American

Where at least I know I'm free

And I won't forget the men who died

Who gave that right to me

And I'd gladly stand up next to you

And defend Her still today

'Cause there ain't no doubt

I love this land

God Bless the U.S.A.

Buy American! Buy Louis Page! Buy Family-owned!

Call Terry. She’s waiting for your phone call. (Tap to Call)

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!)

Don't beg for attention

Phoebe’s dog-mate in obedience class is a big ol' bloodhound named Bentley. His owner? A tiny, petite young woman with the softest voice you could imagine. Definitely not one of those cases where the dog and owner resemble each other!

Last week’s class was quite the spectacle. Bentley, bless his heart, kept letting out the most mournful bays you've ever heard. In class, all dogs are expected to keep quiet—no barking, baying, whining, or whimpering. But Bentley? Well, he clearly didn’t get that memo. Every now and then, he’d raise his voice to the heavens and let out a howl that rattled the walls.

His tiny owner would whisper to him, “Bentley, don’t beg for attention,” in the calmest tone. But Bentley had his own ideas, and her gentle request wasn’t cutting it.

Bentley’s persistence had me thinking about how some things just demand attention, whether we want them to or not. And that’s a bit like how good fencing works. Whether it’s securing a rambunctious bloodhound or protecting your property, fencing speaks volumes without making a sound—strong, steady, and reliable.

At Louis E. Page, Inc., we know that quality fencing does its job without needing the fanfare. It’s there when you need it, standing tall, just like our products that are built to last, even when life gets a little noisy.

So, whether you're trying to keep in your own version of a “Bentley” or just want peace of mind, we’ve got you covered.

Call Terry at 978-486-3116 to get your fence quote today. T2C

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)