The Fence Post

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!

Confits, Cassoulets, and Duck Rillette

Oh, the varied foods in Toulouse that I don’t typically see in the States, and we are trying them all. We’re discovering some excellent places to experience these foods. What a different lifestyle to my rural existence in a town in New Hampshire with a population of 953. Will I be happy to return to the forest and the solitude of my home? We’ll see.

The Ketogenic Lifestyle

I live a ketogenic lifestyle, meaning I keep my body in a state of ketosis. This basically means I don’t eat carbohydrates, including sugar, and rarely consume fruit. I chose this way of eating/living as I began to research and better understand why so many people are getting Alzheimer's. Your brain loves ketones! It will burn carbohydrates if available, but the brain needs ketones.

I started this life-changing journey on January 1, 2024, and I don’t plan to return to a carbohydrate-rich diet. At 70, I feel better than I have in several decades. There is no brain fog, and there are no aches and pains! Tony Robbins said, “Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels.” And now I can echo that!

These French foods are high in healthy fats from animal sources, and I am enjoying them all! Sausages, confits, duck cracklings, cheeses, butter, cream, creme fraiche—give them all to me. Oh, did I mention that I have lost 17 pounds without effort? The weight has fallen off. My blood pressure is 100/60, and my blood glucose is between 70 and 90 almost every time I check it, which is twice daily.

The Importance of Fencing

What does all this have to do with fencing? Well, of course! The animals for these marvelous foods are fenced in! From sheep and goats to cows and pigs and ducks. Fence them in.

I aim to continue discovering the varied fat-rich foods the animals provide for us. I will march into my nineties healthy, wealthy, and wise. Duck cracklings and all!

Fence Suggestions

Now, for fence suggestions, check out our extensive website for all the ideas you could ever need for fencing animals or people in or out!

If I sparked your interest in the ketogenic lifestyle, feel free to reach out to me. Debbie@louispage.com, or you can text me at 978-855-1469.

Bon Appetit!

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (No doubt about it! That is more than 131 years owned and run by our family!)

P.S. Whether it’s fencing or food, we’re here to help you live your best life!

A Surprise Addition on the Farm? Let’s talk about Hyacinth!

If you’ve been following along, you might remember that back in late May, my son Daniel brought home two beef cows: Hyacinth and her calf, Clover. Over the past few months, they’ve adjusted beautifully to their new pasture, grazing peacefully on the lush grass and enjoying plenty of hay from Daniel’s farm.

A Growing Family

But here’s the exciting part – lately, the family has noticed that Hyacinth’s belly has been looking a little rounder than usual. After a bit of sleuthing (and maybe some hopeful guessing), they’re pretty sure she’s pregnant!

Since she came from a farm with other cows and bulls, it’s definitely possible. The whole family is thrilled at the possibility, as this would be their very first homegrown addition to the herd. And if the calf arrives safely, it will eventually provide their first home-raised beef – a huge milestone for Daniel’s farm.

The Importance of Quality Fencing

Stories like this remind me of the joy and hard work that go into farming – and why reliable fencing is such an important piece of the puzzle. Whether you’re expanding your herd, preparing for new arrivals, or just keeping everyone safe and secure, quality fencing is key to a thriving operation.

Planning for the Future

If you’re planning updates or expansions this fall, we at Louis Page are here to help. Give Terry a call at 978-486-3116 – she’s ready to answer questions and help you find the best solutions for your farm’s needs.

Here’s to Hyacinth’s growing family – and perhaps yours!

All my best regards,

Debbie Page

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