<B>Dear Annie:</B> I am a single parent. My youngest left for college last fall, and I did OK handling the changes in my home and heart. I took on a few redecorating projects, attended numerous local events and accepted another job to help with tuition and to get out of the house. But I still find myself lonely.

I have few friends. When I go out, it's usually by myself. I'm fine with that, but having another person to talk to does make the time go by in a more pleasant way. I've called former mom friends for lunch or conversation, but no one returns my calls; everyone is busy or our calendars just don't mesh.

Solitude is nice every once in a while, but it's emotionally draining day in and day out. The new school year is fast approaching, and my kids will be leaving again. How does someone my age make friends and get past this hurdle in life?