The kids have been at home for a couple of days because of the snow.  My husband is here today too, so I am far from solitary in reality.  Yet, it is perhaps somewhat better than complete solitude.  As they are immersed in their own activites and know to leave me to mine, we are together yet apart.   My children have perhaps inheritited my ability to amuse themselves; my daughter in particular is able to curl up on the sofa for hours without saying a word.  The perfect child for a semi-loner.