Grrr, Neighbors

So we just had a bunch of work done, including the siding. So there are a bunch of nails around and we've been picking them up, but I can't get out there for an extended period everyday since I can't leave the kids alone that long. I've been dealing pretty much only with the front so that gets cleaned up first. I haven't been able to let my kids play in the backyard for almost 2 months now since they are all over the lawn there too.

My next door neighbor keeps b!tching about it, how she found a few in her driveway, supposedly other neighbors were picking them up in the street -which I don't believe, I was the one out there last night picking them up from the gutter and we live on a corner so they are the only neighbor who would be involved. I've seen them watching me pick them up on several occasions.

Now, I didn't say anything the first 2 times, but I almost freaked out on her today. When they had their roof and siding done last year, I didn't say a word about all the nails on our property, just picked them up and moved on with my life. Nor did I complain when they had their driveway blacktop done and half of my car was covered in black tar, since I knew it would only cause problems with them and not solve anything. I know they saw it, they even commented on how we would need to have the car repainted and did I want the blacktop company's name to see if they were willing to pay for it. Nor did we ask them to pay to repair the section of fence their tree damaged when it fell in a storm.

How can I tactfully tell her to shut up already, that we've put up with a lot more from them than they have from us? We're trying to be good neighbors, but enough already.

Re: Grrr, Neighbors

I would tell her you are getting done what you can having kids in the house and no real time to get out there. She has to understand and realize having had work done herself things take time. Tape a bunch of magnets to a broom or something and maybe that will get the ones in the grass a bit easier. Good Luck. I hate my neighbors so I was trying to give the nice normal answer.

Re: Grrr, Neighbors

I hate neighbors like that. I would just tell her you are doing the best you can do and if she has that much to complain about, to give you a hand.

I know they make these strong magnets on handles that can help you pick them up. My DH has one he's used on the boat, but I am sure you can get one in a HD or Lowe's.

Re: Grrr, Neighbors

Magnetic sweeper



$35

There are plenty of other ones out there, too. Search for "Magnetic sweeper".


As for the neighbors, I would probably say something like "Yeah, I know it's bad. It's almost as bad as when you had your house done, and I had to pick up all the nails on my yard from your project, so I definitely know how you feel."

This acknowledges that the nails are a problem, and also points out that they did the same thing without outright accusing them of anything.

Re: Grrr, Neighbors

Thanks for making me feel like I'm not being a crappy neighbor. I try not to make waves with them b/c they have known DH since he was a toddler.

Re: Grrr, Neighbors