Yeah, the south does like it's fried foods. And ice cream. And biscuits and gravy. Dang - that makes me hungry!
Yes, my back is much improved - about 50% of the way back now, but I still gotta take it easy and pace myself. Thanks for the kind wish.
And for the record, I have LOST 12 pounds - down to 186 now. Not much of the southern favorites on my menu these days, or cokes or ice cream and such - though I am in the heart of Mexican food territory right now and cannot help but give in every once in awhile.