The gumbo was a success !! We were able to find suitable ingredients at safeway and walmart. We couldn't find a hen so we bought a roasting chicken, which is apparently the same thing. Other ingredients included, smoked turkey sausage, smoked oysters, shrimp, crab and of course, onions, bell peppers and celery.

The roux is the key and it turned out pretty good. We were easy on the spices and it could have used a little more salt. The gumbo was just enough to satisfy my cravings. We have plenty to eat today and to freeze for those times when I am homesick for a taste of Louisiana.

Last year around this time, I made a gumbo in Louisiana for my friends and family. My dear friends and sorors Fran and Sann questioned my ability to make a gumbo after being in AZ for so long....but with help from my brother, Steve, I proved them wrong.

My parents are leaving tonight on the 11pm train to Lafayette; we had a wonderful visit. I think we did and saw all the sights in and around Phoenix. From the top of South Mountain to the luxurious homes of Biltmore. We even had a tour of a local candy company, ate at the best hamburger joint in Phoenix, The Original hamburger Works and enjoyed a train ride at Ecanto Park. I didn't know there was so much to do in Phoenix !!

Iam now an unofficial expert on things to do to keep kids and grandparents entertained in the Phoenix area....What are some of your favorite sites and things to do in Phoenix?