I can't imagine having my kids gone (even just for the weekend)on a consistent basis. Even with my D's here, the lonliness can "lie in wait" and I find it really sneaks up on me sometimes. Why do you think you friends and family would consider time with you an intrusion? If they haven't said so, it's probably just your mind playing tricks on you.
As far as finding out more about yourself and learning new things....does it have to be only in the event you are "done" with your H? Just a thought.
