Graduation and Barbecue
Bushnell, FL - Events of Saturday, March 17, 2012
In our last post, we promised an update on Freeway's surgery for his cherry eye, which is scheduled for Tuesday. We also said we would let you know if anything else popped up in the meantime. It turns out Saturday was Freeway's graduation from puppy class.
The pups played for a while at the beginning of the session, then Terry, the instructor, handed out evaluation forms for the class, and she answered any of our final questions about training. The puppies then donned their graduation caps.
Freeway has made a lot of progress in his training. He has mastered sit, stay, down, and come very well for his tender age of less than 5 months. Our viewpoint may be slightly biased, but we think Freeway was the star pupil of the class. Terry frequently used Freeway to help her demonstrate the lesson to the class. He does pretty well with drop it and leave it unless it is something he really wants. We really need to keep working with him, particularly on those last two items, so it all becomes second nature to him. Those last two commands could save his life if he is going after something dangerous.
On Saturday afternoon, we decided to drive a few miles south of Bushnell to Brooksville for a late lunch with Pat and Mike at the Deep South BBQ. We drove past the place dozens of times over the years because it was on the way to the chiropractor we sometimes go to when we have an ache or pain that won't go away on its own. We were always curious about their food, but we never stopped before.
The Deep South Barbecue got lots of good online reviews, so we decided it was time to go, especially since we are almost at the end of our stay in Florida. The place has a lot of character. The business was started by a former Marine who is a Vietnam veteran, and we thank him for his service. The restaurant is decorated with politically incorrect signs that we thought were a hoot, and we thank him for those, too. Below are just a few examples.
The restaurant is now run by the son with help from his sister. They serve a variety of delicious barbecued meats like pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, chicken and smoked sausage. Most of the meats are available as sandwiches ($4.95), sandwich combos ($7.95 - includes two sides) and as dinner platters ($9.95 - includes two sides and a roll).
All of us loved the meals we chose as well as the sides. Pat had a beef brisket platter, Mike had ribs, while Margery and Paul ordered sandwich combos and shared a pulled pork sandwich and a beef brisket sandwich. Margery had onion rings for a side, and Paul had cole slaw and fried green tomatoes. The ribs, beef brisket and pulled pork were all tender and juicy. They were served with just enough barbecue sauce, although there is more sauce available on the tables if you want it. The food was great, and the service was prompt and friendly. We'll definitely be back.
Outside in the parking lot, we saw a red-bellied woodpecker hunting for insects in an old live oak tree while we chatted a little longer before driving back to Bushnell.
We'll be heading to the canine ophthalmologist in Largo, FL on Tuesday. We'll report on how Freeway's surgery went at the end of the week.
CONGRATULATIONS to Freeway. I am sure he made you two very proud parents! He looks so grown up in his hat...hehe
The restaurant sounds wonderful. I love all those dishes. Enjoy your week! ~wheresweaver
Posted by: Marsha | March 18, 2012 at 08:09 PM
Praying Freeway's surg goes well on Tues...he is so DARN CUTE -- I could just squeeze him! The BBQ made me hungry and the politically incorrect signs made me laugh!
Posted by: Marilyn | March 18, 2012 at 09:12 PM
Congratulations to Freeway and the proud mom and dad!
The BBQ makes me hungry, I just love good BBQ.
Hope you guys have a great week!
Posted by: Mike & Gerri Jones | March 18, 2012 at 10:21 PM
We've driven by that barbeque spot many times but have never stopped. After reading your report we'll have to stop for sure. CONGRATS to Freeway, the grad.
Posted by: Jeff & Barbie | March 21, 2012 at 07:43 PM