How do you deal with nosey neighbours gossiping?

yeah that is really annoying of your neighbor to ask that kind of question. I like the other responses. But yeah, i agree that in general you shouldn't have to tell people what's going on in your own personal house.

We decided on something to say, probably more than we needed but knowing she would probably tell others and possibly publicly on her FB page, we politely told her we are struggling with the effects of stroke and arthritis on top of that and need a lot of rest for recovery due to the chronic fatigue this causes. We did vaguely mention speech therapy practice but said we still find trying to find speak exhausting cos of the apraxia. Then she's not gonna be expecting long sentences and conversations out of us!

The system being as it is with the intensely strong need to be seen as 'fitting in with normal' we said a friend was visiting that day and stayed overnight but had been dropped off by their dad on the main road on their way to work. (this satisfies the protectors and persecutors that she won't be spreading rumours we were talking to ourselves or 'secret others').

This way it could be entirely possible 'nobby' missed them walking down the drive if they'd come up via the shortcut (sure she must need to leave her 'spy perch' at some point to go to the loo or make something to eat/drink! )

Thanks for the advice and answers.