The Fence Post

How a $12 Alarm Clock Revealed the Secret to Meeting Your Deadlines (And Why It Matters for Your Next Fencing Project)

Something strange happened in my office this week...

I bought an old-school analog alarm clock. You know, the kind with actual hands that go 'round and 'round. Green, retro, sitting on little ball feet—absolutely charming.

The Unexpected Lesson

The original plan? Keep it by my bed to check the time when I wake up at night.

But there was one slight problem...

No backlight. Can't see a darn thing at 3 AM. Complete waste of money, right?

Wrong.

Because when I brought it downstairs to my office (before shipping it back), something downright magical happened.

I placed that little green clock where I could see it while working. And suddenly, watching that second hand sweep around the face—tick, tick, tick—hit me like a ton of bricks.

Time. Is. Always. Moving.

And we never truly appreciate that with our digital displays that just... sit there. Silent. Unmoving.

But that relentless second hand? It's a constant reminder that time waits for no one—especially when you've got project deadlines breathing down your neck.

The One Resource More Valuable Than Premium Wire Mesh

Which got me thinking about all the fencing projects we help with at Louis Page...

Those DOT projects, zoo enclosures, and solar farms don't build themselves. And they certainly don't wait around while supplies are delayed or specifications get mixed up.

That's why at Louis Page, we've built our entire operation around one simple truth:

YOUR deadlines matter to US.

Terry and Jeff move mountains to ensure your wire mesh and plastic netting arrive precisely when you need them—not a day late.

The Louis Page Difference

So here's my challenge to you:

Next time you call Terry about your fencing project, make your deadline crystal clear. Tell her exactly when you need those materials on site. Be specific.

Because, unlike my little green clock that's just sitting there looking pretty, Terry's clock is synchronized with yours—and she'll make darn sure everything arrives right on schedule.

That's the Louis Page difference.

Need expert help with your next fencing project? Call Terry, our fence expert, at 978-486-3116 today.

Time's ticking,

Debbie Page

Deviled Eggs, Forest Moss, and Chocolate Bunnies

What a glorious Easter we had. It was warm enough in the sun to sit a spell on the deck with Ramona soaking up the rays. I do believe these are the first warm rays to hit my house since last October! Yes, winter in New Hampshire is longer than I prefer.

Southern Traditions and Kitchen Adventures

Deviled eggs are a must on a southern table. Yes, I live in New Hampshire, but I’m a Southern girl and not letting go of some of my childhood traditions. An unexpected and pleasant visit from the three and five-year-old grandchildren meant I had helpers in the kitchen—very involved helpers!

Aprons donned, we proceeded to make the deviled eggs. I used the Instant Pot to boil the eggs, which were the easiest to peel. We made mayonnaise using walnut oil, and it was delicious. While filling the eggs, the little guy happily ate mayo spoonfuls! Life in the kitchen with little ones. Always an adventure!

A Dream Come True

Remember that I found the missing two leaves? I think I told you about that. But the challenge was getting the table to open fully. Daniel, Rachel, and I pulled and pulled to no avail until Daniel realized a slight adjustment the previous owner had made was rendering it impossible. Once he corrected that, the table opened easily! Woohoo! It was a dream come true for me.

Creating the Perfect Easter Table

Now for setting the table and gathering the necessary chairs. The day was ending, and I still needed to gather moss for the centerpieces. Using a full-size baking sheet, I plodded up the muddy hill before cutting into the woods to hunt for moss. My woods are full of luscious moss, so I needn’t go far. The moss I was after grows on rotting logs and stumps and easily lifts off its growing medium. Before long, I had a stack of moss about 12 inches high.

Back in the kitchen, I arranged the moss on four smaller cookie sheets, gently placing it so that it overhung the edges. Much to my dismay, my granddaughter had previously filled a basket with Princess Pine! Since I had it, I used it to create little forest floors on the sheet pans. Then, I arranged bird nests with little birds and speckled eggs. I stood back, admired my table arrangements, and felt deeply satisfied. Placements, cloth napkins tied with ribbons, wrought iron candle sticks, and two beautiful and ornate beeswax egg-shaped candles. Beautiful pink and white hyacinths draping over the vase created a lovely effect in the center of the table. Complete!

A Joyous Easter Feast

With all 17 people seated around the table, Ramona commented how beautiful it was to see all these young families enjoying the food and the company. There was lots of chatter and laughter. The huge selection of food delighted everyone’s senses and palates. My little guy was eating brisket as fast as he could shove it in. The four-year-old was delighting in the sweet potatoes to which she had first turned up her nose.

After a brief gastronomic rest, we started with desserts and coffee—carrot cake, banana pudding, figs, and blackberries. The children were thrilled that they could finally eat candy, including Cadbury eggs and chocolate bunnies.

Reflections on Life and Easter

Later, sitting in the living room and glancing over at the long, extended table, I reflected that within the year, life would change. I’ll return the moss to its natural habitat until next year. Our baby will be at the table next year, and the baby due in June will be sitting up and eating by then. Life never stops, not for one second. And we continue to journey on as the world turns, chocolate bunnies always returning to our Easter celebration.

Since we’re talking about bunnies, maybe you’re building rabbit cages or thinking about it. There’s no better time than now. Check out the wire we recommend to our rabbit cage makers. We provide the absolutely best wire for building rabbit cages in the industry. Call Terry now at 978-486-3116.

Warm 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!)

On a Whim and a Wish and a Chase

Scotland is magnificent, with lochs and mountains, Highland cattle, heather, castles, kilts, and bagpipes. I fell in love with the country in 2000 while Duncan and I traveled up the East Coast and down the West Coast on our three-week honeymoon. It was double love for me.

The Charm of Scotland

The Scottish people are delightful, and we were welcomed and urged to stay longer at all the bed and breakfast inns where we stayed. We often stayed in farm cottages with several children, and the children, too, took delight in our company. I didn’t always understand the Scots brogue, but Duncan seemed to always understand. I think it’s because he was an avid reader of George MacDonald, a Scottish writer from the 1800s.

A Delightful Stay in Cullen

Cullen was our next stop. It’s a quaint village on the North Sea coast. We spent a delightful night and breakfast at a small bed and breakfast there. Breakfast was in the conservatory overlooking the harbor. With that setting, we ate buttery scones and a quart of the most delicious homemade raspberry jam (I’m still ashamed of my way-too-big American appetite).

After breakfast, we ventured into the village to look at the shops and buy our picnic lunch, which always seemed to consist of bread, marvelous cheeses, and a bottle of wine. Then, we began our daily habit of exploring backroads. Duncan was never afraid to try a road, even if it meant traveling over cattle passes.

Chasing a Dream

Now, Duncan was fond of Single-Malt whiskey, MacCallan being his favorite. We turned the corner of these picturesque roads with stone walls on one side and hillside on the other when Duncan spotted a small van with the Macallan Distillery marked on the side. Before I knew it, we were turned around and following the van. Surely, he said, it will lead us to the Macallan Estate! And lead us it did, right onto the estate.

Once in the reception area, we learned they had finished their last tour of the day. Then, a couple from France walked in, and on a whim, they said, “Okay, let’s give you a tour!”

The tour fascinated all of us. The tour guide/Master drew wee drams of whiskey from oak barrels (these oak barrels once housed sherry) and then asked us to nose and identify as many aromas as possible. I remember naming six, which was a challenging feat. But the Master, if my memory serves me correctly, identified over 60; no, I think it was over 90. We ended our tour with Duncan purchasing an extraordinary vintage bottle.

Afterward, we picked out a lovely spot under a large shade tree and had our picnic lunch. I still remember the double cream brie—it was heaven.

Take a look at your fencing options at Louis Page. We’re the experts and will deliver the goods!

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)

Let's Keep the Cats Safe

Today, a customer emailed us photos of how she provided a haven for her cats. And it’s a haven that allows her to enjoy the cats simultaneously. What did she do?

A Safe Haven for Cats

She “fenced” in her open porch but not with screening. Screening doesn’t work for cats, as they are notorious for climbing it and shredding it. No, she used a galvanized 14 gauge 1x2-inch opening wire mesh. It works. The cats can’t get through the openings; if they climb it, it won’t destroy it. Now, she can sit on her porch and enjoy the view and her cats. That’s something I would love to do.

Memories of Uno

I'm without cats right now, but they’ll be back to live at my house one day. My last cat, Uno (so named by my daughter because she only had one toe on one of her paws), was a Maine Coon Cat. We loved her. She was super affectionate, and I taught her to roll over. Nobody believed me until I proved it to them. I had to use a silly, high-pitched voice and make a rollover motion with my hand, but it worked. She would roll over and sometimes twice.

The Joy of Animal Companions

Animals are such great companions! Just Saturday, as I was having coffee with some friends, Ramona remarked, “Dogs are a woman’s best friend.” I would say the same about cats and horses. And that speaks for men as well. Humans have been keeping pets for a long time.

Your Summer 2024 Projects

What projects do you want to complete by the end of Summer 2024? Something for animals? A catio? Horses? At Louis E. Page, we can supply you with excellent solutions.

Call Terry 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)

"No Excuses..."

Satisfied customers: I love them. We have a super high rate of satisfied customers, though only some take the time to rate us. This one customer did. Here’s his review:

A Customer's Experience

“I had originally ordered 14 GA 1x1 from a company in Texas that claimed to make ‘quality cages’ for rabbits. After 47 days of multiple excuses, my credit card company agreed to a chargeback, and I immediately came to Louis Page for the same item. It arrived in 6 days and was perfect. There were no excuses, just performance. I should have come to Louis Page first.”

Our Commitment to You

Thank you for your excellent review. Yes! Come to Louis Page first!