Well, they have to know it's a work in progress, and I think even Mr. BadmouthIt will have to recognize progress you've made on it since he was here. It now has a fence, a yard, and a happy dog. Sounds like Americana to me.
If I bring over my vaccuum will you at least have time to vacuum and tidy up before they get there so you feel better about that part?
*sigh*
... There are certain stories that always get told about childhood wherein I'm accused of things I never did. Never. I fully admit I wasn't always nice, and I guess that's why it bothers me when something I *didn't* do gets harped on and harped on. At this point it shouldn't matter, but when they make a big deal out of it, it's hard not to take it personally.