My neighbor the bitch

I've complained about our long running house project before. And before I start in here, I must acknowledge that the progress on finishing the foundation, and thus the landscaping of our yard, has taken much longer than we'd expected. Still, at this point the house is far more structurally sound than when we bought it. We're closing in on the end of this part of the project and it feels good. See, as we started the project, Mr. Dog discovered just how jacked up our foundation was. Most of the posts no longer even touched the piers they were meant to stand on. The bulk of the house was supported not by the foundation, but by the deck that had been added at some point. Without that deck, the house would have most likely toppled over and crushed the house next to us. So yes, I'm much happier with the current progress. Much happier.
All along I've been apologetic to our neighbors about the mess. It does look kind of shitty right now. I mean, seriously, there is an 8 foot deep trench around our house and dirt piled everywhere. But it is there for a reason. It isn't like we just dug up the yard for the hell of it. Mostly our neighbors have been nice, many of them have undergone major renovations in their houses over the years and I get a lot of "You're going to love the result when it's done. Hang in there," kind of replies to my "Sorry about the mess" comments.
Unfortunately we have one neighbor who has no filter. And apparently while they forgot to install the filter at the bitch factory, they also forgot the tact and the mind your own business genes. It's sad really if you think about it.
Today Mr. Dog was home sick from work. He has the miserable cold that I'm battling and he spent the day at home trying to feel better. At some point this afternoon, due to the unpleasant cold we're experiencing in Seattle, a pipe under the house burst. See, when your house is up and there is not a complete wall to prevent icy cold air from rushing under the house, your pipes are more vulnerable to freezing. It just happens, and it sucks, but there ya go. Anyhow, the neighbor came over to tell us that the pipe burst. That was nice of her. Unfortunately, she also took the opportunity to vent her spleen.
"Can I ask you a question? What the fuck is going on with your yard?" she asked my ailing husband who was trying hard to be nice. He maintained his cool and just told her to go. And not to come back. And as she was heading out of the yard still complaining, he politely thanked her for coming over to let us know about the pipe. See, he's chill like that. I would not have held it together so well. Luckily I was at work.
While I understand that she may be frustrated by having to look at our construction site, her attitude is just vile. I've tried to be nice on many occasions. This is the same neighbor, that when she had her baby, I took two dinners and chocolate chip cookies because no new mom should have to cook while they're figuring out the baby stuff. I also gave her a baby gift. And a bag of clothes our boys had outgrown. And food goodies last Christmas. And cherries from our tree this summer, along with an apology for the house project taking so long. It's not like I live in a vacuum where I don't understand that she might be ready for the construction to be done. Christ, I'm ready for it to be done. The difference is that I'm living in it. It actually affects my day to day life. And even then I'm not bitchy and rude to my husband about it. And I'd have the right to do it, he's my freakin' husband. Not my neighbor. Not a virtual stranger. Then again I don't think I'd talk to anyone like that. Not that I didn't know extremely well, and certainly not with the sense of entitlement that she exudes. Then again, I understand that the world does not revolve around me. I think she still needs to learn that lesson. Psycho.