Waddle, Wattle, Twaddle: A Journey Through Words and Fences

Yesterday, a subscriber wishing to unsubscribe from our list referred to the emails as drivel, though he misspelled it as "drivl." What does drivel mean? Nonsense, twaddle, claptrap, balderdash, gibberish, and so on. Those words are hilariously fun! I’m so happy and grateful for his email! It’s given me laughs and fodder.

Unsubscribing Made Simple

Interestingly, he made himself known instead of hitting the “Unsubscribe” button. So, if any of you want to unsubscribe from these emails, please waddle over to do so. We intend these emails for those who desire them. I think we’ve made it simple to do so. If not, let me know at debbie@louispage.com. Or if you want to voice any opinion about the emails, write away! We aim to please.

Exploring the Meaning of Wattle

Wattles have become more prominent along the roads and highways in recent years. I’m reading a Scottish novel that uses the word wattle, which sparked my curiosity about its true meaning. Upon looking it up, I discovered the following definition:

Wattle is made by weaving flexible branches around an upright stake to form a woven lattice. The wattle may be made into an individual panel or formed into a continuous fence. — Wikipedia

In England, Scotland, and Ireland, fence-type wattles are prominent. They make a lovely barrier for gardens and effectively keep wind and animals out.

Good morrow, fair ones: pray you, if you know, Where in the purlieus of this forest stands A sheep-cot fenc’d about with olive trees? — As You Like It, IV 3

We don’t carry wattle-type fencing, so you must make your own. And when you do, please share photos with me.

Wattles for Erosion Control

The wattles I’m talking about along the highways are placed on the ground and used for erosion. Typically, they are long, skinny burlap bags of straw that look like sausages. They catch the sediment and slow down the flow of water.

Discover Our Fencing Solutions

Waddle your way through Louis Page’s catalog to see the various types of fencing we offer. If you don't find what you want, call Terry, our fence expert, at 978-486-3116.

Make it fun if you are interested in waddle, wattle, or twaddle. Take delight in your projects. We are the creators of life! Isn’t that grand? And take pleasure in words. There are so many meanings, so why not enjoy them?

And perhaps one man’s drivel is another man’s delight.

Warmest 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!)

The Shiny, Red Mustang: Harnessing the Power of Focus

Doesn’t it happen all the time? You think of something, and then you start to see it everywhere. I listened to a podcast yesterday where the guest, Mel Robbins, taught about the reticular activation system (RAS). She wanted us to learn how it works to draw things to us. Our brain filters out unnecessary information and only lets the good stuff get through. So, what we focus on gets our energy and attention. Sound too woo-woo? This is science!

The Power of the Reticular Activation System

Mel suggested thinking about hearts, so I started focusing on hearts. Lo and behold, on an hour's drive, I passed four signs with hearts on them. I’d never seen this particular sign anywhere before. It was a red heart that said, “Love.” I saw a cloud formation shaped like a heart and even a puddle of water that resembled one! It was a fun game.

Attracting What We Think About

Then I started thinking about red cars, particularly Mustangs. I walked into a shop to drop off my trolling motor for repair, and there was the most gorgeous red Mustang I’d ever laid eyes on! I mean, she was a beauty! It’s fascinating how we attract what we think about. We had better take care of what we think about! I only want to attract the good things to me.

Focusing on Fences

I always think of fences, so my brain registers them as necessary. I spot them in places where no one else takes notice.

Let Us Help You with Your Fence Project

Let us help you with your fence project. Small or large, we’re here to help you! Call Terry at 978-486-3116. She’s ready to help you.

Choose something you want to focus on today and watch to see how often you notice it. And have fun! After all, it’s only life.

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!)

An Engineer, an Architect, and You

My friend Cheryl is super bright. She has an engineering mind without the degree. The things she has created amaze me.

Cheryl's Engineering Marvels

She was given a Toyota Highlander and within the year she had converted it to a van. She used her 3D printer to produce most of the structures she used in the van. It's absolutely marvelous to walk in and see her handiwork. She always wanted to be an engineer, but her engineering father put his foot down. “No girl of mine is going to be an engineer!”

But his iron fist (foot?) didn't alter her natural inclinations or brain. Definitely a left-brained person.

The Gelato Maker Adventure

One summer she found a free used Italian gelato maker and told me I should snatch it up. I did, and we hauled that heavy machine back to the lake house. She began removing parts so we could thoroughly clean the machine.

Once satisfied with our cleaning efforts, she started reassembling it. She put all the screws back in place except for one. “Put that one in,” I said.

“It's not necessary,” she answered.

“Put it in anyway.”

“It doesn't really serve a purpose,” she replied.

“I don't care. If the engineer designed it that way, then put it back in.”

Exasperated, I snapped at her. “You are so stubborn!”

Without missing a beat, she smiled and answered, “That's probably why I'm not married!”

And we both broke out laughing!

The Value of Professional Expertise

When installing a fence, you might want to use a contractor. The contractor may reach out to an architect or engineer. There are reasons to hire professionals, even though you are probably super smart!

Once you know what they recommend, call Terry at 978-486-3116 to get a quote. She knows fencing like the back of her hand!

Or you could check your options first, at Louis Page.

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!)

What Comes First? Confidence or Commitment?

Every day involves making decisions. We make decisions based on what our beliefs are. When we look at people, we can say to ourselves, "I see decisions." Do they smoke? Do they have great posture? Are they overweight? All of those things are based on their decisions leading up to this moment and in this moment. Looking in the mirror, I see the same things: decisions.

The Power of Decision Making

So, what comes first? Confidence or commitment? It’s a valid question. When I decided to get healthy, my commitment came first. As I changed my eating habits and began to lose weight, my confidence grew tremendously.

Building Confidence Through Commitment

The same applies to creating the oasis we want in our backyard. Are we confident we can create it? Or do we commit to doing it, and the confidence grows? You decide.

Commit to Your Vision

Commit here: Louis Page

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!)

Purple Hearts and Evil Surgeons: A Tale of Faith and Fate

Yesterday, I shared a story about my dad’s Purple Hearts and the shrapnel in his eye. Someone asked me to explain what happened with his eye, so here I go.

The Injury

After the bomb exploded, leaving shrapnel in his leg and eye, they transferred Dad to a field hospital. They attended to his immediate needs and set him up in a large tent with numerous other injured soldiers. With Dad’s eye being affected, they had wrapped his head and face in gauze so that he couldn’t see.

A Fateful Encounter

Two young surgeons met with him and explained they needed to remove the injured eye. I think Dad was about 22: young, scared, and naive. He accepted this was his fate. Dad had tremendous faith in God and never showed fear or anxiety to us as kids, so I don’t really know how he was handling this.

The next morning, a young doctor was making his rounds. He came to my dad’s bed, picked up his chart hanging from the end of his bed, read the name, and said, “Billy Hoffman? The Billy Hoffman from Lincolnton, North Carolina?”

“Yes,” my dad answered.

The doctor introduced himself, and Dad immediately knew who he was: a classmate from his hometown. What a small world. The doctor sat on the edge of the bed and listened to Dad’s story, including that surgery to remove his eye was arranged for the next day. The doctor told Dad to hold on tight as he would discuss this with the surgeons.

A Miraculous Intervention

Walking down the makeshift corridor, he overheard the surgeons discussing Dad’s case. They said this would be a great practice for them and would give them great experience when returning to the States. Dad’s friend was appalled and confronted the surgeons. As the doctor learned more, he concluded that eye removal was unnecessary! Imagine deciding to remove someone’s eye for practice’s sake. It’s so unethical.

I mentioned yesterday that Dad’s eye was fine all the rest of his life, and he never wore glasses. Dad didn’t do much reading in his late 80s, so who knows if he would have needed reading glasses. But he lived to 90 and enjoyed seeing the world around him with two eyes.

Memories of a Good Dad

I hope you have fond memories of your dad and have tales to share with family and friends. There is nothing better than a good dad. Unfortunately, Dad died eleven days before I started working at Louis Page in 2011. He would have taken great delight in perusing the website and the catalog, dreaming of ways to use our fencing products. I’m sure he would have found a way to incorporate a fence in his yard. I would have jumped at the chance to watch him dig those fence post holes.

Plan Your Fence This Spring

It’s the end of April, and it's time to plan your fence. Many of our fence contractors install backyard fences this time of year to keep dogs and children safe. Our Yard Guard has been a favorite for many decades. I received a lovely email with pictures from a satisfied customer who installed this last Spring and is looking to expand her project. Why not join suit?

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!)