Sunset - June 2, 2020

Sunset - June 2, 2020

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

OUR POND...

One day about 18 years ago, I took a drive to check out a property that was listed for sale. At the time, I owned my quilt shop and 7 day work weeks were the norm. If not at the shop, there would be sewing or tons of paperwork at home...Occasionally a day off was called for and just going for a drive by myself seemed to lower the stresses.

The real estate ad basically said "40 acres with a pond" and so off I went. At first sight, it wasn't much to look at - the pond was fairly new and nondescript. There was a large pile of clay filled dirt in the middle of the only cleared level area of the acreage. Any signs of the former brick farmhouse and barn were totally gone. Still, it was "up north" and definitely rural. On that first visit, a soft rain fell and as I stepped from the car, the silence was immense. The price was right, at the least, perhaps a good future investment??? And so we became landowners. The first year, Mr. Outback planted a couple of willow trees which the deer promptly feasted on until we installed protective fencing. The pile of clayfilled dirt remained and greeted us everytime we decided to "drive up to the  property." I don't remember exactly when we decided to build...we were so naive.  A year long project gave us the log home we had talked about for ages. (And more maintenance then we could have imagined!) The small willow trees survived and now line the grassy bank of the pond offering shelter to many birds. 

Our pond has become an integral element of this place we call home.
It teems with life. Eventually in a shallow area in the middle of the pond, water based vegetation began to appear and a small island was formed.
It has now become the site of annually returning geese who nest there.
The 4 kids - growing fast!
Turtles are abundant and spring peepers sing their chorus each evening accompanied by bull frogs as the summer progresses. This year we have had a large family of baby wood ducks being raised amongst the cattails. Occasionally an eagle stops by, sandhill cranes and bitterns. 


The pond is also an important source of energy for us. Submerged under the water is a complex set of piping that has allowed us to avoid buying foreign oil. Our geo-thermal system heats us in winter and comfortably cools us on a warm summer day. When we go without rain for lengths of time, I began to worry as the water level drops. Not so this week...we have received over 3" just in the last 2 days. The sound of rushing water is music to the ear as it flows down from a spring up in the woods. Excess water runs under the walking bridge and spills over the dam. Nature is at her most lovely state right now. Each morning as I come down the stairs, my gaze always goes to the pond - it is still there, constantly renewing itself and changing. 

 Mr. Outback keeps the walking path trimmed and our girls love to stroll along with us and explore...


And next year, the pond will be a backdrop as families and friends gather for the wedding of our son, David and his beautiful Jena. This past weekend, a lovely engagement ring was placed on her hand while they were in Cordova, Alaska. Our minds are all ready spinning with the possibilities of how to do an outdoor celebration....such fun planning ahead!



17 comments:

  1. Your pond is so beautiful! what a gift!
    It will be an incredible background for the wedding. We've had a couple at our family farm in Illinois and they have always been a joy - such great memories to have a special day in a place you love.

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  2. Congratulations on David's and Jena's engagement. I know you will have fun with all the planning. The pond is gorgeous, you are lucky to have such entertainment right outside your door.

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  3. Gosh, Pat! Such a beautiful place (Watch out for those geese! They can become a problem!). It will be perfect for a wedding! Congrats to the happy couple! xxoo Nancy

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  4. Congratulations Pat, what a lovely setting for a lovely wedding..

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  5. Beautiful!!! A lovely post! and congratulations to David and Jena and what a wonderful family celebration to be set in a beautiful place.

    Blessings & Aloha!
    I have been soooo out of the blog loop! But wanted to stop by dear friend and say hello!

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  6. beautiful and so peaceful! Congrats to your son :)

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  7. It is a beautiful place and you are blessed to live on such a beautiful piece of land. Congrats to your son! How exciting.

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  8. It's always been a special treat to visit your home, and knowing the full story makes it even better.

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  9. Pat, what a wonderful, peaceful place to have so close. People just don't have ponds in their backyards here in Southern CA, at least not the people I know.

    When I saw the photo a little ways down on your post, with the reflection, I thought I was looking at an upside down photo. Stunning.

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  10. Gorgeous photos, beautiful reflections, fabulous setting for the approaching wedding!

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  11. You live in a piece of heaven, what a lovely pond you now have. Great news on the happy engagement, it's going to be an exciting time.

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  12. Thanks for sharing - and congratulations on the upcoming wedding!
    Chris

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  13. A lovely post. Your love for and contentment with the place which is home shines through every sentence.

    May you long be happy there.

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  14. Our ponds have so much in common - but I am intrigued by the energy-saving component of yours.
    I imagine that a wedding by the pond will be a wonderful occasion! All the work/maintenance will be found worthwhile when you see the bride and groom with that wonderful backdrop!

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  15. I have so missed keeping up with the blogs - and of course your words always leave me wanting to hear more - the wedding - you will probably be planting a lot of wildflowers this year in anticipation. What a joyous celebration awaits you and such happiness for the wonderful couple.

    I continue to be on treatment for another 12 weeks - slow going - but doctors say the vasculitis/kidneys are improving.
    I just want to be able to sew/stitch again. Take care sweet fried. Judy C

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  16. What a beautiful setting for any event...or any non-event, actually!

    How neat you had the vision to see what this place 'could' be!

    Have a fabulous fourth!

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  17. Beautiful, Pat and lovely post!!!!

    Delightful setting for the wedding.

    :) Carolyn

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