We've been empty for eight years. Kids live 2,000 miles away. We miss them and really enjoy getting together with them as often as possible. OTOH, we keep quite busy which helps. We're semi-retired which means we still work but very reduced hours. We're both involved in a lot of volunteer stuff like promoting protected bicycling and walking infrastructure and working with disadvantaged folks.

Most of all we enjoy each other and spending time together and with friends.