The great wall of...

Once upon a time there was a wall. It wasn't a great wall. In fact, it was a very nondescript wall. It just sat there doing what walls do. No one took particular notice of the wall...and maybe that was the problem. Maybe the wall took exception to being ignored for so long (or maybe the extremely wet winter we had last year had something to do with it). Anyway, the wall decided it had had enough. No more was it going to stand straight and tall. No more was it lending its stability to a climbing plant with yellow flowers. No more was it going to just stand there and hold back tonnes of the neighbour's soil. "I give up", it screamed silently and let one of its extremities just fall over.

Suddenly the wall was noticed. Suddenly the wall was the centre of attention. Suddenly the wall was the subject of great consternation. Lots of people came to look at the wall. Observers noticed the broken connection at the top of the wall. Some noted the graceful curve in the centre of the wall. And some the way the wall leaned towards the open air and freedom.

Experts decided the best thing was to let the wall go. It had done its time...it had earned...a break.

The wall needed to be replaced...but how?

It wasn't a great wall. It shouldn't be that difficult. But wait. Many things had changed since the wall first took up its role of defiance against the sloping site and sliding soil. Dwellings now have the wall surrounded. Large trees keep a watchful eye over the site and the power poles play a support role for the high voltage electric corral.

The experts were consulted again. Some were even compensated for their wisdom (not necessarily a wise decision…a lesson learned). Opinions varied, but one thing was consistent…it was going to be expensive.

 Remember, this wasn’t a great wall. It wasn’t even a Trump wall. It was a wall about 15 metres long and 2 metres high at its tallest point. How bad could it be?

 It could be VERY bad.

The last estimate was a figure that was over double what I paid for the house.

 Maybe this was a great wall.

The story of the wall started with the phrase commonly associated with the telling of fairy stories…oh, how I wish it was. But, alas, this is very much a true story. A story that has been omnipresent for the last four months and is yet to have a conclusion. As I write I am waiting expectantly for an email that may contain a lifeline. I will keep you posted.

Until next time…