It's been a few days of being on my own and several of which I've come home to a pitch black house - no lights on inside or out.  I've had the suggestion to put the inside light on a timer as it is probably not safe to come into a pitch black house so I'm going to look into that this weekend.  Should be something I can pick-up at Home Depot and probably not too expensive.  Had a work dinner tonight so thankfully didn't have to think about what to eat :)  I'm going to try some crock pot suggestions as I can make a bunch of something while I'm at work and have it available to nourish me over the course of several days.  I like that idea very much!