Just a message to say "thank you" to Mumsnet. I no longer feel alone in the world. I am currently living in France in a small village with hubby and two boys, I feel very isolated. I stupidly thought that I would enjoy being in France, however have discovered that this country has not yet got to grips with Feminism and find myself well and truly back in the kitchen. Lack of money and a social life reminds me of my own life growing up in the '70's and the disenchantment that my own mother felt. Problem is, I can't go back (not yet anyway), all of our money is tied up in this half built house, so it's gonna be at least another year before we can sell and move on. I used to love going to the pub with my friend in england, we would sink a few pints, and have a good old moan, it would put me back on the straight and narrow and get me through the week. I've stupidly thrown all that away in search of a "better" life, what I didn't realise at the time was, you don't get better than freedom and independence which living in England gave me. So, in short Mumsnet, you are a lifesaver. I'd recently taken to opening a bottle of red at tea time and drinking the majority of it before 10. Since getting on here, however, my fingers are tapping away and I just don't have time to drink, so thanks once again, and keep up the good work.