I recently got back into training after a loooong time away, and started with a novice routine suggested by "The Barbell Prescrption." Squats/Bench/Deadlift (A), and Squats/Press/Deadlift (B). One week is ABA, the next, BAB. I spend A LOT of time resting between sets, and the reps are low (3x5, and 1x5 for the deadlift) but it's mentally quite simple and by the time I get to thru, I always feel progress.

Unlike you, I prefer upper body to lower, but maybe that's because I can only do squats with 20lbs right now LOL.