If you’ve spent anytime in supermarket checkout lines this week, you’ve probably notice a consistency of purchases rolling through the scanners. Most shoppers have chicken, sausage, maybe jars of prepared roux, some of those containers of pre chopped onions or “the trinity.” These signal that gumbo weather has arrived. Time to get out the pots and compare recipes. It’s a south Louisiana tradition. Make no mistake that we love our gumbo. But there is more to this tradition. The first breath of cool air means an end to the dog days of summer, high temperatures and low energy levels. There is a promise in the air of holidays, burning fireplaces and renewed energy. Gumbo weather is as much about revival and hope as it is a culinary event.
In these cooler days I found myself cleaning out my office, arranging for projects around the house that have demanded attention for weeks, months and, in some cases, years. There is a stirring in the soul.
There is a spiritual side to this: a back to work, school and church feeling that the warm days of summer sapped from us. It’s a desire to start fresh and to do things better than in the past. What’s it mean to you?
Got to go; my roux is burning.
Be blessed.
Nick
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