This is my 900th post since I first began my blog. The first two years I spent getting my recipes online from another file that did not include pictures. I am slowly remaking every recipe and adding this much needed media. Pictures really make a blog what it is.
This changed in the last two years – I bought a new camera, joined a blog party fiesta friday which resulted in a social aspect to blogging. So, for this special post I decided to publish a post on gardening. This is my second love outside of cooking and the two really go hand in hand.
Occasionally, I comment that I need a break so if I should disappear it will not be for very long. It is Spring you know and that means working in the garden, volunteering and enjoying the upcoming months in Michigan. Even though I have a lot of energy blogging is demanding. I will always be cooking and hopefully coming up with new ideas to share. I mean 900 posts – whew!!!
Who’s a “Smart Gardener”? Me, that’s who. Recently I completed the Michigan State University (MSU) Extension Introduction to Smart Gardening Webinar Series and I am now a Master Gardener Smart Gardening Volunteer. I am actually an Advanced Organic Master Gardener too! Let’s put that all together Advanced Organic Master Gardener Smart Gardening Volunteer. That’s a mouthful isn’t it?
Besides the title of Smart Gardener I received a pin and certificate verifying that I had passed the initial requirements.
What is Smart Gardening? According to Michigan State University (MSU) “Science-based gardening, environmental awareness and sustainability have long been a hallmark of MSUE consumer horticulture programs. In 2013 the MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture team developed a method to distribute “smart” ideas to home gardeners that capitalize on the use of a “tiered” delivery system. The “Smart Gardening” initiative features simple, research-based messages adapted for home gardeners that are centered on environmental stewardship.”
To share these messages with a wide audience, every form of communication such as web, on-line, print and so on is employed. I will be communicating directly with people at gatherings such as our local farmer’s market, home and garden show or a fair. This will be one-on-one about how to be “smart” in gardening endeavors and providing printed materials on the Gardening in Michigan website.
So, how do you become a Smart Gardening Volunteer? First you need to be an active re-certified Master Gardener. The training includes review of all Smart Gardening consumer materials, videos and webinars. Oh yes, there are quizzes you have to turn in – they want to make sure you learned something.
How easy to learn at my own pace within a certain time limit, on my own computer while I have my coffee in the morning or just relaxing in the afternoon. I have had so much education in my life from a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Masters in Library Science to many gardening and cooking classes and/or conferences. Education in any form continues to be a valuable part of my life and I hope it is with you too 🙂
This was so much fun and so educational – I really enjoyed the webinars on bees as I learned something new. Did you know there are almost 450 varieties of bees in Michigan?
I am so proud of the pictures below showing bees with their orange pollen sacs – beautiful aren’t they? Two of my best pictures ever… even Patty Nguyen gave the thumbs up. From Patty “bees are hard to shoot and you did a fantastic job”. Many of us know about Patty’s beautiful photos she takes of nature, young ones, special moments and the list goes on. Please check out Patty’s site https://pattynguyen.wordpress.com/2016/04/27/2016-monthly-photo-project-april/ for some really professional pictures. Besides she also likes to cook and is a teacher! Oh, I almost forgot Bailey – Patty has the cutest dog ever!
I am linking up to Fiesta Friday #118 where Angie and her two co-hosts, Kaila @ gflife247 and Laurena @ lifediethealth have just started this week’s party.
Congrats on #900 and for being a Smart Gardener, Judi! But I think you are a Smart Everything. They should give you an award for that as well. 🙂 Thank you for the sweet mention in this post, my friend. It made me SMILE. <3
Thanks so much Patty, you are really too sweet. I’m happy it made you smile as that was my intention. You really are a special person and have a wonderful site. Wish I could take photos like you do 🙂
Wow Judi, 900 posts is commendable! I’ve been blogging over 5 years and I’m almost pushing 400. I started out posting daily, then 2 or 3 times a week, and for the past few years I can barely get one post out a week! And huge congrats for being a Smart Gardener!
Thanks Kathryn – initially I had tons of recipes that just needed to be redone. Then like you I slowed down (once I found out pictures are really needed). I enjoy gardening and this is just one more opportunity offered by the Master Gardener Program.
900 posts is very impressive, and even more so as your posts are so informative and detailed.
I’m not much of a gardener, but it was very interesting to read. 🙂
Thanks very much for your nice compliment Ronit. I get carried away and end up going overboard some times. But I enjoy researching, reading and so on – I guess it’s that teacher/librarian in me. Of course it helps that I like to cook and garden too 🙂
Your efforts are well appreciated! 🙂
Congratulations, Judi! 900th post?? That is awe inspiring! How wonderful that you’re also continuing your education…to be a Master Gardener is one thing…but to be a Smart Gardener too? Bravo!!
I remember that bee photo…it’s gorgeous!
Thanks Nancy – that’s why I need a little break after this week. I will be around… I try to be “smart” and now I have a certificate to prove it LOL
Congratulations Judi, wow, you’ve had us all beat! 900 is no small number! Bravo! Great too that gardening is your other love. Much like me, I just love this time of the year, and volunteer at a garden not far from home. Isn’t it just wonderful to be out there with the birds and the bees? And talking about bees, wow, brilliant shot! Love Patty’s photos too. I enjoy blogging about gardens too and have a special section on my blog for just that. Looking forward to learning more about your Smart Gardening tips n’ tricks 🙂
Thanks Loretta – it’s hard to believe I have that many. I do enjoy it and love sharing and learning from others like you. I know you love gardening too – wish my volunteer work was within walking distance. I hope you have better luck with the “critters” this year 🙂
Wow–congrats on 900 posts! And thanks for sharing about Smart Gardening!
Thanks Nancy – it’s a fun program to be involved with. Amazing how much there is to learn.
I love gardening too Judi and sit here yawning because I was planting all afternoon. Congratulations on your designation. That is an amazing accomplishment! Your bee photos are amazing!
Oh I hear you Julie. The other day neighbors invited me over for a glass of wine and I had to turn them down I was so tired from working in the yard. LOL. The bee pictures are my best and I did not realize what I had captured until I looked at the pictures and saw the orange pollen sacs!
Wow 900 posts that’s some feat and love the bee photos they are amazing 🙂
Thanks – I just love the bees and I have so many plants they like. They are always buzzing around in my gardens 🙂
Oh wow congratulations Judi “900 posts”, this is just amazing. The pictures are stunning and congratulations for being a smart Gardener. Enjoy and have a beautiful Spring! 🙂
Thanks Linda – I will link this post on Friday and then take a break. I will be checking in – can’t miss any of your recipes. Happy Spring 🙂
Congrats on your 900 posts Wow ! That is a lot !!! I love your pic’s, you captured that bee so beautifully 🙂 And, you are a smart gardener too, ….you are a woman of many talents. Happy May 🙂
Thanks for your sweet comments Lynne. I won’t be gone – just behind the scene a little. I just love those pictures and can’t wait to see my bees again 🙂
Congratulations on 900 posts and becoming an Advanced Organic Master Gardener Smart Gardening Volunteer. It really is a mouthfull 😀 That is so impressive Judi! It was great learning more about you too 😀
Thanks Antonia – the “smart gardener volunteer” is recent. I have been a Master Gardener since 1991. It’s an on-going learning experience and one I truly enjoy 🙂
Fantastic pictures of bees! Congratulations on receiving the extra certification. As a fellow Master Gardener I share your passion and the new volunteer opportunities sound very fulfilling.
And, 900 posts! Wow!
Thanks Liz! It was fun to get 6 hours of educational hours just sitting at my computer – learned a lot as always. Are you still active? I am thinking about retiring down the road, but I hate to let it go…
Wow, Juju, you are a lady of many talents! Congratulations!!!
Well, thank you Ginger. Cooking and gardening are my two passions. Going to take a little break after I link this on Friday – have lots of projects to do 🙂
So much so cool!! Congratulations on your new role and achievement, beautiful photos and so many great posts 🙂 great work Judi xx
Thanks so much Elaine – cooking, photography and gardening are three things I enjoy doing. Just need a little break from blogging so much and attend to other things. I won’t be far though 🙂
I completely understand! Sometimes the outside world beckons…;)
Congrats on your 900th post, wow! Also for being a master gardener, how exciting!😊
Thanks so much – 900 posts in 4 years and I have so many more. Being a Master Gardener is a fun way to volunteer in my community 🙂
Hi, Fab blog! I have just set up mine, but still in the very early stages – a few months old. Just making efforts to link in with fellow bloggers to improve our followers and get the word out there for us both. I would appreciate you having a peek at my blog, as I have published several posts. Feel free to like, comment, follow or just take a peek. Thank you 🙂
Thanks – sure I will take a look at your blog. Happy weekend 🙂
Happy weekend also 🙂 I hope that you enjoy the blog 🙂
Congrats on your gardening certifications and especially on your photography skills. Handsome bee. 🙂
So nice to hear from New Hampshire Master Gardeners. Yes, I love those pictures of my bees and extra special with photos of their pollen sacs 🙂
Wow Aunt Juju – congrats and thatz commendable. … you are posts are do inspiring and look forward to more and more love dishes from your kitchen… 👏👏
Thanks Chitra – you have a lot of posts too as I recall. I really enjoy sharing with everyone while I learn at the same time.
OMG, Judi! Congrats on your 900th post and all in-depth and informative posts. What an accomplishment! Also, Congrats for being a Smart Gardener! 🙂
I try to give more than a recipe – love to provide a little history and as much information as I can. I now can show my certificate to prove I am “smart” LOL!!!
Congrats on being a Smart Gardener! And 900 recipes, WOW!!!!
Thanks Sarah – hard to believe I have that many posts. Some posts have 2-9 recipes so I guess I have more than 900, but who’s counting!
How amazing and impressive 900!! That is so cool! So exciting to be a master gardener volunteer! You are one smart lady! So glad we are friends and congrats!
Thanks a bunch Lynn – gardening and cooking are two favorite ways to share with everyone. I do have a certificate saying I am “smart” LOL!
hahaha that is cool!
900 posts, wow!! That’s remarkable, Judi! And I remember the bee photos. You should make posters out of them, they’re so beautiful. And Patty gave you the thumbs up; I always listen to her when it comes to photography 😄
Thanks Angie – lots of posts and I have learned a lot in the past few years. It’s been fun sharing with everyone. I probably should at least get the bee pictures framed. I am not a professional but they sure are great pictures – Patty’s comment when I first posted them meant a lot 🙂
NINE HUNDRED posts!!! Wow! Lots of Congratulations for you today! Congrats for your master gardener award (any gardening tips appreciated…especially on organic pest control?!) Congrats for being so dedicated to your blog. Congrats for the amazing bee photos – I’m very impressed by those! Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday 🙂
Thanks Laurena – I have a number of garden posts or I give tips within many “recipes” I have posted. The bee pictures are very special – one can get beautiful photos just by chance and not be a professional. Happy Fiesta Friday and have a good week 🙂
🙂 I’ll come and have more of a look around when I have some time – it’s suddenly garden weather here and knowing the UK it won’t last long! 🙁 Happy Fiesta Friday to you too and have a great weekend 🙂
Whoo Hoo for #900!!! That lil bumble bee is cute as a button too…great picture!!!
Thanks – a lot of good posts and recipes and I have been happy to share. I was amazed at how good of a picture I took.
I loved reading about how you began blogging, and am certainly glad there are pictures in your posts. BUT, I liked learning about your gardening background as well. I’ve been reading your blog for so long, but mainly know the foods you eat. 🙂 This was a nice mix up and the bee pictures are beautiful. Congrats on the gardening course!
Thanks Kaila – I have a few more gardening posts scattered throughout my blog. Gardening and cooking are my two passions! We have been a part of Angie’s FF for a long time – I was there for FF #1! The bee is special – a good camera and a little luck 🙂
Congratulations on your 900th post! How exciting!! And your smart gardener certificate! This is the first time I’ve heard of it. About a week ago I planted a few things in planters on my small balcony. So far the basil has sprouted, and my rhubarb sprouted for its second year 🙂
Thanks so much Ai! I have 3 raised beds for veggies and my herb and flower beds around my house. Container gardening is a good thing as you can grow lots of different veggies/flowers/herbs in a small amount of space 🙂
Wooow! Congratulations Aunt Juju on your 900th post. That is a great accomplishment. And I must say that the bee pictures are ah-mazing. 😊👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks Sadia – 4 years and 900 posts later… hard to believe! I have so many more recipes to share, will I ever find the time 🙂
Nine hundred posts, that is amazing! Congratulations on being so committed.
Thank you Karen – I love to cook, garden and share with anyone who is interested. I’m going to take a break though as blogging can be time consuming. Right now I want to concentrate on projects and gardening 🙂
high fives for 900 posts! What an epic amount of work you’ve put into your lovely blog.
Thanks a bunch! Hard to believe it’s been 4 years – I’ve had a great time and just need a break from the blogging world, especially with the nice weather in Michigan 🙂