Hi Phillipa, and welcome to the board from Southern California! I lived overseas for 20 years, too and only came back 1 1/2 yrs ago, and don't really know many people. I don't work, so rarely get out! I also find this board so necessary for "companionship" - not just female-we have some great men on this board too! I also was in a theatre group for about 18 years, though mainly just on stage-LOVE acting!!