Deda, I came towards the same problem from a different direction, in that when I flew the coop, I stayed vigorously in touch, and headed home at every opportunity. Now I have 9-14 year olds that will be gone in a flash, but our immediate problem is that we have a very close, but huge (and growing) extended family that couldn't keep in touch effectively. So we set up an internet family noticeboard (on Smartgroups.com), and it has proved a monstrous success, with over a hundred postings a month. Now we all know what all of us are doing, and my ageing parents are bang up to date with children, grandchildren, and greats. Every message is e-mail round the group, so it is instant, and effective.

I really do think a private forum of that type would make you feel so much more in touch. PM me if you want any more details of how it works.

Skipjack K8