This week, pt. 1

So ...
One of the most interesting distractions of the New Farm area is noticing the division of the new from the old residents, as demonstrated through the use of exclusionary fencing. The new residents tend to install high and impervious fencing, protecting themselves from the rougher types of the area. Statistically, I am sure that there is a significantly lower rate of property crime (especially home invasions) in the area now. So why do they distinguish themselves in this manner? For all the talk of being part of a community, for all the sense of sharing the area, by doing so, are they not restricting access to themselves and their neighbours? How can you feel neighbourly as you look out across your yard and see a massive fence protuding into your view into the next yard?
In other news this week, I was beaten by my brother, with the physical result of contused, swollen left eye (see below), and a visit to Dr. Anderson yesterday confirmed that two ribs are fractured, which explains why it is so painful to breathe sometimes, or why sneezing is stopping me in my tracks ... So I texted Milli about taking her up on the offer to flat sit, and then spent five days trying to coordinate with Dani to get keys off her - apparently she just refused to take my calls, preferring instead to send me abusive, conflicted texts ... The flat is small, yet set out well enough to amuse my nesting urges - I quite like it really! The downside is that it is significantly dirty, but in an erratic way, with some areas more filthy than others, and I am unable to access the verandah at the front. But for all that, I have moved a few things, tidied up a bit, and even unpacked some things from the boxes, making myself feel at home - found a knife block at the local RSPCA op shop yesterday, so now all but one (the big Japanese that Father bought back) knives are displayed, out and proud ...
*** Hmm, seems I am not able to load that photo ***
To be continued ...