in most civilized parts of the world

Vacuuming at midnight gets you a day in the stocks. Doesn't it?

This is new from them. I'm not sure whether to be angry at the noise and the complete lack of consideration, or sad that their new electric toy isn't part of their vigorous and extensive sex life. Which hasn't been as extensive lately, come to think of it; they're down from every twelve hours. No, I am not exaggerating. Twice a day for a while.

As the Buddhist teacher Jack Kornfeld says, After the ecstasy, the laundry.

Or apparently the vacuuming.