Today's my birthday and my kids are home.
Couldn't ask for a better birthday gift. We're doing Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow when my brother is able to get here, but we had the best meal ever today. Chicken stew made with an oatmeal stout gravy and Irish soda bread. It was good peasant food. Hearty and hot--stick to your ribs. Lots of good conversation around the table. Nice to see the grandchildren settling down a bit. The 9 and 11 year old kids had lots of good questions and comments about the election and what will happen next. The 5 year old was just content to sit by grandpa.
As frustrating as this past election season has been and as unsettled as the nation appears sometimes, days like this make you realize that life is really good when you look to the basics. Hope everyone's day was as great and basic as mine has been.
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That sounds like a wonderful meal for this winter (actually several). I assume you could just put it in a crock pot and cook it all day.
From the sounds of it, so far your birthday has been a wonderful one. Nothing beats having loved ones around, especially on special days like birthdays. It's good that your family is interested in politics and wanted to talk about the election and our country's future. That's great!
Your food sounds delish. 
Again, happy birthday. I wish you many more.
happy birthday, isn't it great to be able to count your blessings?
