Introduction

Introduction: Mapping Out a Plan for the Rest of My Life and Enjoying the Journey

My Golden Years are an extension of the life I have lived up to retirement which began on December 1, 2011. I have organized this blog to include the top ten relevant topics shown below in the right side column in General Topics. Just click on one and you will see all that I have written on that topic. Click on the Most Current tab for chronological order of all entries.

I have addressed each topic in no particular order other than what is currently on my mind on the day I am posting. I started each topic by describing where I was when I began this blog and then exploring the possibilities of progression and any goals that I would like to meet. After that, I write about the path to reach that goal as it happens. Sometimes I just write about what is happening now.

I welcome any comments and questions either on this blog or email as I travel these paths and hope to share my growth with interested persons who may find some common elements in their own path to the rest of their life. I hope to use my skills as an appraiser for nearly 30 years to continue to observe different perspectives on a subject and reconcile into a conclusion that is of value to me. Please join me whenever you like. Email notice of new posts is no longer available so just bookmark the address.

Of most importance to me is the confidence developed in my intuitive skills over the years and it is that part of my character I am trusting to define value in my life. I believe change can be good and I can be enriched by believing in my true self using my intuition. The analytical part of my life no longer has a financial grip and I can let go of what absolutely made sense at the time in favor of what feels right now. I have done a lot of work since this blog began in 2011 and I hope you will join me as I explore this approach in My Golden Years.


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Sunday, April 22, 2012

Master Gardener Training 2012

I have wanted to be a part of this program since it began in our county about five years ago.  Up until this year, there were scheduling conflicts for the twice weekly classes for me competing with my job.  When I was able to take time off work, there were not enough other interested people to hold the classes.  So this year it all came together and I am very happy to be a part of this Personal Growth experience!  Once I have become a Master Gardener, I will have many related experiences to blog about in Community and Friends in addition to Home and Landscape and Outdoor Activities. I hope viewers will want to come back time and again to my blog and see how I have 'grown' in other areas of my life related to this training.

The Training Schedule's Topics are taught by instructors associated with the University of Missouri - Columbia. Each class is 3-4 hours with a total of 30 required hours.  It began March 26th with Orientation and Social Time.  The topics include:

Plant Growth & Development
Fruit Production
Soils/Plant Nutrition
Woody Ornamentals/Trees
Hobby Greenhouses & Water Management & Tool Care
Turf grass
Entomology
Annual & Perennial Flowers
Plant Diagnostics/Diseases
Vegetable Production

The Graduation will be on May 3rd with a lunch.  At this time, I have three more classes to attend.  There is much printed materials given out in addition to power-point presentations of which copies are provided.  It is a great opportunity to have instructors in their field of expertise from MU. 

The mission of the Master Gardener Program is to provide horticultural information and training to the gardening public, based on University of Missouri research specific to the local climate, soils and plants. 

The mission of University of Missouri Extension is to serve the citizens of Missouri by extending research-based knowledge and problem-solving resources to people throughout the state.

Upon completion of the core course, the Trainee must then provide 30 hours of community volunteer service related to 10 different established projects.  These projects include the following topics:

Community, School, Church Landscapes/Gardens/Beautification
Development and Administrative Activities
Elderly Activities
General Public Assistance/Consultation
Garden Shows/Farmer's Markets/Fairs/Other Booths
Horticulture Answer Service (includes time to research questions)
Master Gardener Meetings
News Articles/Newsletter
Teaching (including preparation time)/Workshops/Short Courses
Youth Activities

After the core course and 30 hours community service is completed the first year, the Trainee becomes a Certified Missouri Master Gardener volunteer.  To remain an Active Master Gardener, at least 20 hours of volunteer service is done each year along with 6-hours Continuing Education.  The Inactive Master Gardener has only to complete the active requirements and be approved to be invited to special events and receive the newsletters again.  After ten years, Emeritus status will be granted and volunteer hours will no longer be required but he or she will be invited to all activities and to attend any continuing education programs offered to Master Gardeners.

For addition information:

State Master Gardener Website which includes the Core Manual - www.extension.missouri.edu/mg/

Hickory County Extension Website - www.extension.missouri.edu/hickory



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