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I am from New Jersey, and when I bought an old home in Milwaukie I treasured the "Oregon-ness" of the place. No sidewalks, few streetlights, and almost no property fences. Neighbors could wander back and forth among yards and have great conversation. I embraced these things and I felt welcomed.

Shortly after we arrived, another new arrival- from California- moved in. She surveyed every border of her property, the proceeded to fence out her neighbors. She is an isolated fortress in an otherwise open, friendly neighborhood. And she's complains that she is not welcome here.

posted 5 years, 5 months ago
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