domestic bliss

I haven't started my job at the Space Needle yet, because they have to do all that formal stuff- criminal check, reference check, blah blah blah! I still have an abundance of time on my hands.. I am very ready to work, but I'm trying to make the most of my time off while not completely going into a panic about my unpaid bills.  Yikes.
I had a counselor when I lived in Maine and one thing I discovered through sessions was that being at home really feeds my soul.  I love tidying up, being creative in the kitchen, and making things warm and welcoming- cozy and comfortable.  That's how I roll... I see home as a refuge, sanctuary, an oasis from the chaos and frenzy of the world.  I love home. 
I think, to be honest, I love all things comfortable.  I had a dream the other night that I was swimming across the ocean with my favorite quilt, a soft quilt my friend Jenifer made for me years ago.  I sleep with that quilt every night, and I can't imagine my life without it!
Today I am at home and making dinner for the family again.  I love this little ritual.  I have decided to make what I term "comfort foods".  I like that I get to serve them so they don't have to worry about what they will make for at least one night out of the week.  And I like cooking and feeding and planning.  Today I am making pot roast... This is my first time making pot roast, and I am making it on the stove top.  I had to substitute vegetable oil for olive oil (hope that doesn't make a difference- I did add butter!), and I did use fresh herbs instead of dried spices.  :) I am letting the dishwasher run as I sip on my iced coffee (made by yours truly) and the roast is cooking.  I had to google what a chuck roast actually is, and I discovered it's the cow's shoulders.  Interesting, but do I really want to think about that very much? Not really.  But I will say, I actually really enjoy cooking meat and thinking about the ways that meat can be used to add flavor and nutrition.  I also learned that this kind of meat is best cooked for hours, so be in no hurry.  I'm letting this roast simmer on the stove for five hours.

Last night I made the strawberry oatmeal bars.  I'm not sure I like them all that much.  I think they should be firmer, and I think there needs to be a little more jam.  So I decided to make a real comfort food this morning to add to the meal...brownies.  Then I looked at what I had and realized I should have made mashed potatoes or rice, but it felt too heavy and too hard to get to the store.  So I whipped up a spinach/iceberg salad with apple and cranberries... oh, and a little cheese...
Do you think this is enough? I will also make some rolls! I guess I'm learning how to orchestrate a full dinner.  I'm glad for the practice.  It is so fun.