The Timeless Harmony: A Scottish Honeymoon and the Wisdom of a Farmer

Introduction

In the summer of 2000, my cherished late husband, Duncan, 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.

The Journey

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.

Daily Rituals

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.

A Memorable Encounter

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.

The Farmer and His Herd

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.

A Moment Frozen in Time

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.

Conclusion

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.

Call to Action

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: Louis Page

Debbie Page CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893.

Any Tree But That Tree: Memories and the Power of Creation

The spring ice storm last weekend did more damage than I initially thought. As I drove an hour and a half south, I witnessed the aftermath. For an hour, it was still a winter wonderland. I passed power trucks either heading home or to their next job. The ice-covered trees glistened in the powerful March sun, creating a gorgeous scene.

The Aftermath of the Ice Storm

I wonder if the guys restoring the power anticipate their next job or just carry on with purpose. I doubt it's aimless; they seem committed to getting the lines back up. I saw long poles being carried to the next destination and witnessed a pole snapped in half, a testament to the storm's force.

When I arrived in Massachusetts, there were no signs of an ice storm—no snow, ice, or heavily salted roads. But as I pulled into the parking lot, I saw a disaster. A tree house lay crumpled on the ground, still attached to the tree that had snapped off about six feet above the ground. No! Not that tree!

Memories of a Beloved Tree House

My mind immediately returned to my much-beloved tree house, which my wonderful dad had built for us in the 1960s. Rick, Kathy, and I spent hours playing there, pretending to be robbers, cowboys, and pirates. We spent many nights in that tree house, always waking up hungry for pancakes or the breakfast rice my dad prepared using the leftover rice.

Making memories and remembering memories—what a beautiful gift we have as human beings.

Creating Lasting Memories

What memories are you creating today that will be remembered for many years? A trip with your best friends? Going to the beach with family? Your special recipe that the kids love?

I’ve been thinking about my mom’s Easter dinner that we loved dearly: baked ham, potato salad, deviled eggs (always deviled eggs in the South!), lime cream cheese Jell-O salad (like I said, in the South!), homemade yeast rolls, and coconut cake. My mouth is watering just writing about it.

Building Memories in Your Backyard

Make memories in your own backyard. Put in a new fence to give you boundaries. Create a safe space for the animals you want to have, be it horses, goats, or sheep. And if you get sheep, you might want to get a herding dog. Border collies are the smartest dogs! Did I tell you about my trip to England and the incredible border collie?

No? Something for another time then.

Warmest regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (It adds up to 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!)

A Miscalculation and a Flood of Suds: Life's Unexpected Memories

Do you have a list of "Oh my gosh, I hope that never happens again" moments? I certainly do, and I bet you do too. I have a wonderful friend named Theresa who laughs at her mistakes, and when she retells them, we end up laughing together. She's a joy to be around, and I have some delightful tales about her adventures.

The Car Wash Incident

This particular story took place in the mid-80s. With two babies in car seats, Theresa decided to surprise her husband by cleaning his car. She turned her brown woody station wagon into a car wash adventure. She paid and proceeded slowly into the car wash. However, she miscalculated and somehow didn't notice the huge warning when she drove over the metal railing designed to set the vehicle's boundaries.

Laughing and singing with her toddlers, she was oblivious to what was about to happen. Suddenly, smash went the windshield, followed by a flood of suds. Trapped helplessly in the car wash, Theresa was still happy, continuing to scrub the car, unaware of the chaos around her. She let out a hysterical, laughing squeal, looking at her drenched self and wondering how much water would be dumped into the car before it stopped.

The attendants came to the rescue, shutting off the machines and running to her window for further instructions. This incident probably wasn't the first time something like this had happened, but it might have been the young attendants' first experience with such a mishap.

They helped her guide the car out of the car wash, park it, and call for help. Oh yeah, her husband got a big surprise, alright! Not exactly how either of them wanted their day to turn out. But even now, forty years later, we both get tons of laughs and joy remembering this story.

Creating Memories

Sometimes, I think of life as making one memory after another—some bad, some good, but always a memory. Your property is part of the memories you create, whether for yourself, your family, or your customers. Whenever we can control the creation, we make it for the good of others and the world.

Fences create memories. They serve to protect things that are dear to us. Sometimes, they are used to provide strength to a structure. Other times, they serve as a boundary to give us a sense of security. Whatever your reason for installing a fence, check us out at Louis E. Page.

We have over 65 years of combined fence expertise and add products to our extensive catalog monthly. Need help finding what you want? No fear. Call us! Terry loves searching for what you need, and if someone manufactures it, we can find it.

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)

How an Autistic Woman's Brilliant Mind Revolutionized Cattle Handling (and Why It Matters)

Have you ever wondered why curved chutes work better than straight ones in livestock handling? Temple Grandin figured this out decades ago. This remarkable woman, who didn't speak until she was three and a half years old, went on to revolutionize how we handle livestock across America.

The Insight Behind Curved Chutes

Grandin discovered that cattle move more willingly through curved pathways because it plays to their natural circling behavior. When cattle can't see what's at the end of a chute, they're less likely to balk or get spooked. This simple yet profound insight has transformed livestock handling facilities nationwide.

The Impact of Temple Grandin's Discoveries

What's truly amazing is that these same principles are being used in some of the most efficient livestock facilities across the country today. But it wasn't just the layout of the fencing that made Grandin's designs superior; it was also the type of fencing used.

The right fencing and panels are crucial for any livestock facility. They contribute not only to the wellbeing of the animals but also to the profitability of the facility. This is where we come in.

Choosing the Right Fencing Materials

Need help selecting the right fencing materials for your facility? Give Terry a call at 978-486-3116. She's our fencing expert and can help you find exactly what you need to ensure the safety and efficiency of your livestock handling operations.

Check out our full range of fencing solutions at louispage.com. Let's get mooving!

Warm regards,

Debbie Page

A Winter Night in Spring: My Driveway Woes and the Beauty of Resilience

I thought my driveway woes were over… until I awoke at 2:00 AM to a chilly darkness. It was so cold I could see my breath. The flickering lights from the previous evening had hinted at this, but losing power still felt like a surprise. Best to snuggle down and try to sleep until sunrise.

A Winter Wonderland in Spring

When I finally convinced myself to leave the warmth of my down comforter, I saw it was a brisk 45 degrees inside the house. Outside, the trees were glistening with ice, creating a winter wonderland. It's officially spring now, but New Hampshire seemed to have missed the memo.

One little situation I face when the power goes out is the inability to use my cell phone without WiFi. I let the puppy out, bundled up in winter gear, and drove to the closest spot with cell reception, about a mile away. My son had tried to reach me, so I quickly let him know I was okay, without power, and heading to his house. Even without power, he has a wood stove and a generator. Ah, the promise of a cup of coffee was calling.

The Sparkling Drive to Safety

The world around me was brilliant as I traveled the ten minutes to Daniel’s house. The sky was a cerulean blue, and the ice-coated trees sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight. Many limbs and some large trees were down, snapped from their stakes. The crews had already cleared enough of the tree trunks from the road for at least one lane to pass. Thank you to all the men who worked through the night and were still working to clear roads and restore power.

Stuck in the Snow

I made it to Daniel’s mile-long driveway. Though it hadn’t been plowed, I approached the hill with determination. I made it part of the way and then, that was it. No going further. Thank goodness I could use my cell phone. I let them know I was stuck.

In a few minutes, the whole family drove up in their Toyota Highlander to rescue me. Because it was their driveway, the kids were sitting in the back of the SUV. When Daniel opened the back, the six-year-old tumbled out onto the deep, fluffy snow! Though it scared her, she wasn’t hurt. With a tow strap quickly attached, Daniel towed me up the hill, and I made it safely to their house.

Warmth and Reflection

Ah, the warmth of the wood stove! And that cup of coffee. With the children presenting me with books of their choosing, we snuggled on the sofa to read. Note to self: get a wood stove before next winter!

Looking out at Daniel’s garden, I saw the ice had done a number on his fences. The entire lower section of the vegetable garden fence had collapsed under the weight of the ice. There were no trees to blame for the damage, just the ice itself. No big deal, as the poly deer netting can easily be restored to its original height. Another spring project!

Repairing Fences After the Ice

Ice is notorious for tearing down fences. Now is the time to start repairing or at least planning for the repair. You likely don’t need to replace the entire fence, just a section. Find the roll of wire or poly netting you need on the Louis Page website. Unsure of the original fence? Send us a close-up picture along with the opening size and height. Terry will very likely know what it is.

As always, my warmest regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (Indubitably, that is 131 years owned and run by our family!)