The Fence Post

Under the Fence to Front-End Adventures

When I was just five years old, the land next door was being cleared to build a home for the Thompsons (later, I will tell you about their apple tree), a lovely elderly couple embarking on their retirement dream.

A Child's Adventure

Like any curious child, I couldn't resist the allure of exploration. Sneaking under the old wire farm fence while the construction workers took a lunch break at the edge of the woods, I found myself amidst the sand piles and machinery, oblivious to the potential dangers around me.

What followed could have been a harrowing incident, but fate intervened in the form of a compassionate soul – the operator of a front-end loader. Discovering me nestled and asleep in the bucket of his loader, he must have been startled, yet his reaction was one of kindness, humor, and concern.

First, he started the engine, which just about gave my little five-year-old heart a heart attack! After reassuring me and ensuring my safety, he not only offered me a ride in the bucket but also escorted me home to recount the adventure to my mother.

A Mother's Grace

My mother, filled with grace, didn’t lecture me or get angry. Perhaps she was so relieved. However, she got the last word when she proclaimed, “Debra Kay! Wait until your father hears about this!”

Reflecting on this incident now, I am reminded of the inherent goodness and grace in people and the importance of looking out for one another, especially in moments of vulnerability. It's a story I carry with me, imbued with gratitude for the care and compassion shown to me by a stranger who became a guardian angel that day.

Safety and Quality in Fencing

In my fencing business, safety is paramount. Just as that operator ensured my well-being all those years ago, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality products and resources to ensure your projects are completed safely and efficiently. Your trust in Louis E. Page Inc. is something I deeply value and never take for granted.

Partly as a “Thank You” for reading my emails, and partly because I need to make room in my warehouse, I am lowering the price on one special line this week, but only up to Friday March 1st, at 3 PM Eastern.

Special Offer on Belgian Hexagonal Netting

Let me tell you about it: We have around three dozen rolls of beautifully-made Belgian hexagonal netting. It’s 22 gauge with ½ “ openings and is just under three feet wide. Each roll is 164 inches long. What can you do with it? It’s often called Sparrow Netting, so of course you can use it to block small birds and vermin from getting under your eaves. Here are some other ways to support your garden and/or farming plot:

• Chicken house and run
• As a top netting for your chicken run
• Canary cages (Martha Stewart has ordered this from us for this very purpose, and I can help you get the plans to build your canary cage.)
• A balcony or deck safety or animal barrier netting
• Use as floral wire (one of our customers makes astonishing flower structures for weddings, etc.)

OK, here’s the deal: order before Friday, March 1st, at 3 PM Eastern, mention this email and I’ll give you 20% off. Order the whole lot of what’s left and save 25%. Check it out on our website under Sparrow Netting now!

Building Community and Connections

As we navigate the seasons ahead, let's continue to build fences and bridges of understanding and support within our community. Together, we can create spaces that are not only secure but also filled with warmth and camaraderie.

Thank you for being a part of our journey and allowing us to serve you. We look forward to continuing to meet your fencing needs and forging lasting connections for years to come.

Warm 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!)

Under the Fence to Front-End Adventures

When I was just five years old, the land next door was being cleared to build a home for the Thompsons (later, I will tell you about their apple tree), a lovely elderly couple embarking on their retirement dream.

A Child's Adventure

Like any curious child, I couldn't resist the allure of exploration. Sneaking under the old wire farm fence while the construction workers took a lunch break at the edge of the woods, I found myself amidst the sand piles and machinery, oblivious to the potential dangers around me.

What followed could have been a harrowing incident, but fate intervened in the form of a compassionate soul – the operator of a front-end loader. Discovering me nestled and asleep in the bucket of his loader, he must have been startled, yet his reaction was one of kindness, humor, and concern.

First, he started the engine, which just about gave my little five-year-old heart a heart attack! After reassuring me and ensuring my safety, he not only offered me a ride in the bucket but also escorted me home to recount the adventure to my mother.

A Mother's Grace

My mother, filled with grace, didn’t lecture me or get angry. Perhaps she was so relieved. However, she got the last word when she proclaimed, “Debra Kay! Wait until your father hears about this!”

Reflecting on this incident now, I am reminded of the inherent goodness and grace in people and the importance of looking out for one another, especially in moments of vulnerability. It's a story I carry with me, imbued with gratitude for the care and compassion shown to me by a stranger who became a guardian angel that day.

Safety and Trust in Business

In my fencing business, safety is paramount. Just as that operator ensured my well-being all those years ago, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality products and resources to ensure your projects are completed safely and efficiently. Your trust in Louis E. Page Inc. is something I deeply value and never take for granted.

Partly as a “Thank You” for reading my emails, and partly because I need to make room in my warehouse, I am lowering the price on one special line this week, but only up to Friday March 1st, at 3 PM Eastern.

Special Offer on Belgian Hexagonal Netting

Let me tell you about it: We have around three dozen rolls of beautifully-made Belgian hexagonal netting. It’s 22 gauge with ½ “ openings and is just under three feet wide. Each roll is 164 inches long. What can you do with it? It’s often called Sparrow Netting, so of course you can use it to block small birds and vermin from getting under your eaves. Here are some other ways to support your garden and/or farming plot:

• Chicken house and run
• As a top netting for your chicken run
• Canary cages (Martha Stewart has ordered this from us for this very purpose, and I can help you get the plans to build your canary cage.)
• A balcony or deck safety or animal barrier netting
• Use as floral wire (one of our customers makes astonishing flower structures for weddings, etc.)

OK, here’s the deal: order before Friday, March 1st, at 3 PM Eastern, mention this email and I’ll give you 20% off. Order the whole lot of what’s left and save 25%. Check it out on our website under Sparrow Netting now!

Building Community and Connections

As we navigate the seasons ahead, let's continue to build fences and bridges of understanding and support within our community. Together, we can create spaces that are not only secure but also filled with warmth and camaraderie.

Thank you for being a part of our journey and allowing us to serve you. We look forward to continuing to meet your fencing needs and forging lasting connections for years to come.

Warm 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!)

How Many Chooks Can a Chookhouse Hold?

My Aussie friend living in Vanuatu recently shared this story about a black bantam chook (Aussie for chicken) affectionately known as Chooky. Chooky wasn't just any ordinary hen; she was a survivor in a world full of lurking dangers.

Chooky's Life and Legacy

Nestled beside her Aussie friend's home, Chooky's days were filled with scratching the earth for tasty morsels, basking in the warm tropical sun, and watching her surroundings. But living next door to a pack of fierce Dobermans made her life anything but ordinary.

Despite the constant threat, Chooky was a diligent mother, and one fateful day, she surprised everyone by reappearing with a bustling brood of 14 tiny chicks. She was fiercely protective, her maternal instincts kicking into high gear. Each night, she nestled her precious chicks under the protective canopy of the fig tree, spreading her wings wide to shield them from harm.

But the danger was never far away. The neglected fence between the properties offered a tempting passage for Chooky to forage for food. It was during one of these excursions that tragedy struck.

As Chooky ventured beneath the fence, the Dobermans were on her in seconds, trapping her in a precarious position. With a chilling scream that pierced the air, Chooky fell victim to the lurking danger, leaving her chicks motherless in the blink of an eye.

A Glimmer of Hope

The blame game ensued, with the fence owner deflecting responsibility onto Chooky's owner, arguing that the fence should have been mended. It was a twisted reality where accountability seemed lost amidst the chaos.

Despite the lack of apology, there was a glimmer of hope. Recognizing the need for resolution, the fence owner extended an olive branch, offering a portable wire mesh chook house for the orphaned chicks. It was a small gesture, but it paved the way for peace and reconciliation.

With a secure shelter to call home, Chooky's chicks thrived, their chirps filling the air with newfound vitality. And though Chooky's presence was sorely missed, her legacy lived on in the resilience of her offspring.

Finding Refuge in Adversity

In the end, amidst the trials and tribulations of life in the backyard, it was a story of resilience, compassion, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her chicks. And through it all, the backyard in Vanuatu remained a place where even the smallest creatures could find refuge and solace in the face of adversity.

Before adversity takes you, let me tell you about this week’s special in our warehouse. We have just 38 rolls of gorgeous Belgium-made hexagonal netting. It’s 22 gauge with ½ “ openings and is just under three feet wide. Each roll is 164 inches long.

Versatile Uses for Hexagonal Netting

Here are some ways to help you tremendously as you garden and/or farm your plot:

• Chicken house and run
• As a top netting for your chicken run
• Canary cages (Martha Stewart has ordered this from us for this very purpose, and I can help you get the plans to build your canary cage.)
• A balcony or deck safety or animal barrier netting
• Use as floral wire (one of our customers makes astonishing flower structures for weddings, etc.)

Here’s the deal: order before Friday, March 1st, at 3 PM Eastern, mention this email and I’ll give you 20% off. Order the whole lot and save 25%. Check it out on our Sparrow Netting now!

Warm regards,

Debbie Page

The Mystery of the Clatter in the Kitchen

One late summer evening, as the sun was setting over the lake, we closed the kitchen doors to secure Buster, our beloved black Lab, in the kitchen. We were heading to the Summer Playhouse for an Agatha Christie murder mystery—my favorite.

Buster's Adventure

Buster was a bundle of energy, always ready for adventure and often finding himself in amusing predicaments. (One summer his nickname was “The Wedding Crasher”... but that’s a story for another day.)

He looked longingly through the kitchen door window as we left for the evening. Such sad eyes on a big, black dog.

The Great Dog Food Caper

With the house all to himself, Buster sniffed around, exploring every nook and cranny in search of excitement. His keen nose led him to the kitchen nook, where the irresistible scent of his favorite treats lingered. As he investigated further, his eyes fell upon a large, mostly empty 50lb bag of dog food, left tantalizingly unattended.

And what dog wouldn’t be excited about that possibility?

Unable to resist the temptation, Buster nudged the bag with his snout and started consuming the food. Deeper and deeper, he pushed his head to the bottom of the bag. But as he savored his impromptu feast, disaster struck! In his excitement, Buster inadvertently thrust his head into the empty bag. With a swift motion, it slipped over his head, engulfing him in darkness.

Panicked and disoriented, Buster thrashed about, attempting to free himself from the confines of the bag. But with each frantic movement, the bag only seemed to tighten its grip. The bag over his head left Buster aimlessly stumbling around the kitchen.

The Great Reveal

Meanwhile, we returned from the playhouse, eager to see our favorite canine. But as we approached the house, we all stopped with alarm. Someone must be in the house! What are they doing? We could hear thrashing about, and we thought there must be burglars. But if that’s the case, why is Buster not barking?

“Oh no!” cried Lizzy. “Did they kill Buster?”

We stepped onto the porch and peered through the kitchen door. And then we all roared with laughter! Buster was staggering blindly through the kitchen, the empty bag of dog food still completely obscuring his vision.

"Buster, what have you gotten yourself into now?" Daniel exclaimed, rushing to his aid.

He carefully removed the bag from Buster's head, revealing his sheepish expression beneath. Despite his embarrassment, Buster wagged his tail apologetically, his eyes already sparkling with future mischief.

Life with Buster

Though Buster's antics often left us exasperated, we couldn't help but laugh at his latest escapade. Life with Buster filled us with laughter, love, and a dash of unexpected chaos. And no obstacle would prevent him from entertaining us every day of his 13 years. Oh, Buster, we still miss you.

Look for your “Pooch proof fence” to protect your Buster here.

Waggy regards from

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (Wow! Without question, that is 130 years owned and run by our family!)

Easy and Quick, Brown and Green

Today I am going to talk about Composting Your Way To A More Bountiful Garden. Watch out for mention of the Browns and the Greens. Read on...

Sustainable Gardening with Wire Mesh

In the realm of sustainable gardening and waste management, finding practical solutions that balance durability and affordability is paramount. Enter wire mesh (Tada!!) – a versatile material that has garnered attention for its potential in creating composting enclosures. Whether you're a seasoned gardener looking to enhance soil health or a homeowner interested in reducing organic waste, wire mesh offers a compelling solution you might want to consider.

Choosing the Right Wire Mesh

Two popular options stand out for constructing compost bins: chicken wire and hardware cloth. Each wire mesh type has distinct characteristics catering to different needs and preferences.

Chicken Wire: Known for its classic hexagonal woven pattern with 1” openings, chicken wire offers a cost-effective solution for building compost enclosures. Its lightweight nature makes it easy to manipulate and shape into desired configurations. However, while chicken wire is suitable for containing compost materials, it may lack the durability needed for long-term use, particularly in areas with harsh weather conditions or frequent disturbances.

Hardware Cloth: On the other hand, hardware cloth presents a more robust alternative. Featuring a tight welded wire, typically the openings are ¼-½”, hardware cloth offers enhanced strength and durability compared to chicken wire. This makes it well-suited for constructing sturdy compost bins that can withstand the rigors of outdoor environments. While hardware cloth may come at a slightly higher cost than chicken wire, its longevity and reliability justify the investment for many gardeners and homeowners.

Constructing Your Compost Bin

When selecting wire mesh for a composting enclosure, it's essential to consider factors such as size, shape, and ventilation. A cylindrical or rectangular design allows efficient composting and easy access to the finished product. Additionally, incorporating adequate ventilation ensures proper airflow and decomposition within the bin.

Once you've chosen the appropriate wire mesh for your composting needs, constructing the enclosure is straightforward. Begin by measuring and cutting the mesh to the desired dimensions, leaving ample room for compost materials to accumulate. You can cut panels from the wire and zip-tie them together or make a circle with the mesh and zip-tie the two ends.

Composting Materials

As you fill the compost bin with kitchen scraps, garden waste, and other organic materials, periodically turn the contents to promote aeration and accelerate decomposition. Over time, the organic matter will break down into nutrient-rich compost, ready to be incorporated into your garden soil or used as a natural fertilizer.

Composting is a natural process that transforms organic materials into nutrient-rich soil amendments. While there are specific guidelines to ensure a healthy compost pile, a wide variety of materials can be composted. Here's a comprehensive list of what you can compost:

• Fruit and vegetable scraps: Including peels, cores, rinds, and seeds.
• Coffee grounds and filters: Used coffee grounds are an excellent nitrogen source.
• Tea leaves and tea bags: Ensure tea bags are made of compostable materials.
• Eggshells: Crushed eggshells add calcium to the compost pile.
• Yard waste: Grass clippings, leaves, weeds (without seeds), and small branches.
• Plant trimmings: Prune flowers and foliage from your garden.
• Shredded paper: Newspaper, cardboard, paper towels, and napkins (avoid glossy or colored paper).
• Wood chips and sawdust: Untreated wood materials can be composted in moderation.
• Straw and hay: Often used as animal bedding, straw and hay can also be composted.
• Nutshells: Including peanut shells, walnut shells, and others.
• Seaweed and kelp: Excellent sources of minerals and nutrients for compost.
• Old potting soil: Used potting mix can be revitalized through composting.
• Hair and fur: Human and pet hair, as well as fur clippings, can be composted.
• Fireplace ashes: Wood ash adds minerals and can help balance pH levels in the compost.
• Dryer lint: From natural fibers such as cotton and wool.
• Paper towels and napkins: Used paper towels and napkins can be composted if they are chemical-free.
• Pet waste (from herbivores only): Rabbit droppings, guinea pig bedding, and other herbivore waste can be composted, but avoid carnivore or omnivore waste due to potential pathogens.
• Houseplant trimmings: Trimmed leaves and stems from indoor plants.
• Stale bread and grains: Moldy or stale bread, pasta, rice, and other grains can be composted.
• Spent flowers: Wilted flowers and floral arrangements.

While this list covers many common compostable materials, it's essential to avoid composting certain items, such as meat, dairy, oils, fats, diseased plants, and materials treated with pesticides or chemicals. Properly balancing carbon-rich (browns) and nitrogen-rich (greens) materials is critical to successful composting. Experimenting with different materials and observing how they break down can help you fine-tune your composting process and produce nutrient-rich compost for your garden.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wire mesh offers a practical and cost-effective solution for creating composting enclosures that promote sustainable gardening practices and reduce organic waste. Whether you opt for the affordability of chicken wire or the durability of hardware cloth, harnessing the power of wire mesh opens up a world of possibilities for enriching your garden and minimizing your environmental footprint.

Though we are still buried in snow in New Hampshire, my daughter in Texas wrote today to say that it is 86 degrees, and the peach tree is blooming! Either way, it’s time to plan for Spring planting and composting. Here’s a great place to start.

I’d love to hear your clever ideas for composting your organic waste. And share pictures!

My warmest regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (Umm, that’d be just over thirteen decades owned and run by our family!)