Sorry I'm late in on this but glad its all worked out for you.
I find myself in similar situations but its mainly because I work away from home for 5 weeks at a time. This is componded by the fact that the wife doesn't have any friends in our town, though she is a home body and does keep herself to herself. We live in a small market town in leicestershire by the way. I got her a dog to get her out of the house and she calls the family back home when she wants. I also talk to her every day that I'm away but it can be difficult for her. Its just a matter of getting on with it and enjoying our time together when I'm home for 5 weeks.
Also I find handbags and shoes seem to help...........for her not me of course.
