1 lb Fresh okra, sliced 1/4 c Plus 2 tbs. butter melted - melted & divided 1/4 c All-purpose flour 1 bn Green onions, sliced 1/2 c Chopped celery 2 Garlic cloves, minced 2 qt Water 1 cn (16-oz.) whole tomatoes, - undrained & chopped 1 tb Chopped fresh parsley 1 1/2 ts Salt 1/2 ts Ground red pepper 1 Sprig fresh thyme 1 Bay leaf 1 lb Unpeeled medium-size fresh - shrimp 1/2 lb Fresh crabmeat, drained & - flaked Hot cooked rice Gumbo File' (optional) Cook okra in 2 tbs. butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until lightly browned. Set aside. Combining remaining 1/4 cup butter and flour in a large Dutch oven; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until roux is chololate colored (20 to 25 minutes). Stir in green onions, celery, and garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until vegetables are tender. Add okra, water, and next 6 ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Peel and devein shrimp; add shrimp and crabmeat to okra mixture. Simmer an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove and discard bay leaf. Serve gumbo over rice. Add gumbo file', if desired.