@bellastarr . . . I hope your feeling better and if not then I Hope Ya' will be soon . . .
@Fuzzy Thunderbear . . . Well there Mr. Bubba - I was playing with Ya', I actually prefer the "Shaman", "Traveling Man", "Cowboy/Farmer", "Lannie's Lover Man", "Photographer", and that "Wise Guy" that
throws a little sarcasm every now & then . . . So get a hold of "Yourself" there . . .
Now as for knowing about "Gumbo", has nothing to do with living South of the Boarder now . . . I actually learned about "Gumbo" from family members and watching a lot of cooking shows . . . Also while living in the Mid-Atlantic States and especially New York City there were many diverse places I would eat too
("The Pink Tea Cup" - in the Village which was a couple of blocks from where I lived and then there was "Silvia's" in Harlem too - both excellent Southern home cooking) . . . So - I guess I just had a more diverse eating experiences as I was growing up and as an adult too . . . Matter of fact, one of the best cooking shows I watched was "Chef Justin Wilson"
( "I Guar-Ron-Tee" 
- those who ever saw his show know that phrase very well) the old man was an absolute hoot and so much FUN to watch. Then there was also Paul Prudhomme who was a very popular Creole/Cajun chief and had a great TV cooking show too. Anyway, really liked "Gumbo" - wish I still could have some to eat.
Can't really answer your question honestly that it was because it brought the family together and fond memories and while there were times it did - they were way to far and between . . . However - Thankfully - As an adult . . . The Cooking - The Smells - The Taste - The Memories - The Sharing - The Friends - The Conversations - The Fun . . . finally did make for some really fond memories and GOOD times even today . . .
YEP - And some of "Us" even have them for weeks at a time . . . Just Sayin' . . .
Hope it doesn't last a week or more for "You" and that "Your" Day got better . . .
Actually - "My" Friend" - "We" all do every day . . . Just Sayin' . . .
AND - Very Glad Ya' know there is "Family" here for Ya' too . . .
SO - Glad for Ya' and Grandma . . .
OH - AND I hear Ya' very loud and clear . . . BEEN THERE . . . Just Sayin' . . .
NOT NICE ! ! ! 
BTW: Is he still alive or living in "Your" home . . .
Maybe this will help . . .
SO - Here is "My" usual last post of the night . . .
Okay - It's that time again . . .
For "Everyone" In NEED . . .
"GOOD VIBES" & "Healing Thoughts"
. . . are being sent "Your" Way
Once again - For all of the 'Tree-Peeps" already gone to bed and those about to go . . .
Hope Ya' have very restful night and pleasant dreams . . .
Okay - I'm done for the Day . . .
It's . . .
AND - I'm off . . .
Good "MoringNite" All - See Ya' Tomorrow . . .
