trees discard their once-green foliage and prepare for the long winter ahead.
Some of this debris finds its way into our pond as it gently flutters through the air. Removing this litter from the surface of the water, before it descends to the bottom of the pond and deteriorates, is carried out every year. The decaying leaves and pine needles add an exorbitant quantity of nutrients to the water. These nutrients exasperate the growth of algae and weeds the following year.
Performing this task in the early morning hours is very peaceful. These serene moments bring on much reflection, recalling fond memories of loved ones and the joy that they brought to my existence. Before starting to attend to the job at hand I clicked off a few pictures of the pond. It was not until I put these pics on the big screen did I see what you see here. Whether ORBS are real or just a cool reflection of dust or water particles in the air, that are enhanced by my camera lens, I chose to believe that they indicate a visit from a spirit or angel. It's said that during times of feeling calm and at peace with your surroundings, these orbs of light may appear. Their presence represents the eternal nature of ghosts and spirits.
As clean fresh water around the globe continues to dwindle due to man's lack of any common sense, our pond becomes more and more invaluable.
The pristine condition of this resource that collects in our pond takes some hobbitizing for it to remain unblemished. The water in our pond is captured by way of a natural spring that was included in the footprint of our pond when it was excavated. That spring water along with the surface runoff that occurs during heavy rains keeps our pond brimming with water. As the surface runoff meanders through the woodlands that stretch for miles above our property, the earth acts as a natural filter.
By the time this water reaches the mouth of our pond, the clarity is remarkable. The three pics in this collage were taken at three different locations along the path that the water has etched into the earth. The water is so crystal clear that it's hard to distinguish the water from the ground. In the bottom picture, a reflection of the sky appears in the mirror created by the water.
As the water exits the forest it vanishes into the ground and flows through a trench that was put into place when the pond was constructed. This trench was filled with river rock and a set of two 6-inch pipes to ferry the water to the pond. This underground system was designed to act as an additional filter, cleaning the water yet again before it reaches our pond.
I can deal with this type of litter every day of the week.
What drives me crazy is seeing litter/garbage strewn about the landscape, whether it be in the countryside, suburbs, or cities.
I JUST DON'T GET IT.
Every pond needs a SPILLWAY.
Excess water needs to have a place to exit, otherwise, it would just spill over the edge of the pond and erode the earthen banks. Throughout the year I will block the spillway and allow the water to build up. Several inches before the water overflows the banks I will open the dam and allow the water to exit. As the water rushes down the bluestone-laid path a natural skimming action takes place.
The rushing water carries with it the organic material
that floats on the surface.
Before too long, the matter seen in this collage is drawn toward the spillway. About an hour or so later the surface of the pond takes on the quality of a looking-glass.
Water, water everywhere, let's make sure there are drops to drink!
Peace be with you all!
that floats on the surface.
Water, water everywhere, let's make sure there are drops to drink!