Have you been enjoying the series on the pond project?  I hope so!  In case you missed any of the previous posts you can see Phase 1 here, Phase 2 here and Phase 3 here.

Phase 4 I broke down into 2 short videos for you:

The second video is below:

Kyler, a neighbor and friend, learns how to think creatively in order to functionally revamp this ponds inlet drain, by using miscellaneous items. Also, learn the concept of how to build and install a homemade gasket, patch and expansion plug using house-hold items such as a milk container.

What do you think about the project?  I’d love to hear your input on how you stay healthy by working out outdoors.

How you react when faced with unexpected situations, such as delays, issues or set-backs, determines the state of mind.  Completing projects with out a hitch is great, but always plan for the unexpected and be ready to face or resolve the issue.  On a positive note:  When the unexpected happens, your mind starts to spin the thought process and the creative juices begin to flash ideas in your mind.  These flashes pop while the brain is exercising its thought process by looking for a solution. During this workout, look around and your eyes will focus on what the mind is thinking. Example:  This video shows an unexpected hole in a cement drain tile, that needs to be fixed before covering it with dirt. Rather than run out and buy some wire mesh, rods and a couple bags of cement, I looked around to see what I could use that would work just fine. In the end, I didn’t spend any money or lose time running around.  Everything I needed to fix the problem was right around me.  Learn to use what’s available around you and the natural things God has provided in nature.

Re-purpose, reuse, relocate sod, dirt and pond muck to other areas needing filled or leveled.  For short distances, I use a wheelbarrow or tarp and rope to transfer the materials and workout my legs. A trailer is used for long distant transfers. A shovel is used to fill the trailer, giving me a mid-section, arm and shoulder workout.  Use different size shovels to achieve various weights.  Drink lots of water and wear a belt to stay hydrated and protect your lower back from over-stress.

To strengthen the path crossing over the washed-out area, I’ll be adding sticks, branches, extra wood, and old tires to help hold the path together. Throwing tires like a disk and tossing branches and wood stretches the shoulders and builds muscle.

Using a heavy duty vintage pic hoe to remove the top layer of grass and roots; for an all around shoulder workout.  To help ease back strain form tossing the dirt, a rope and tarp is used to drag/slide the dirt up into the trailer. Using a tarp to move dirt incorporates the leg muscle.  Throughout this workout, I drink lots of water, snack on protein full foods and wear a weight belt to protect my back from stress.

Helping or doing something nice for somebody out of the kindness of your heart is healthier than doing it because your expected to.  I’m not implying payment isn’t good or you shouldn’t earn a decent wage for your hard work and time.  Making money is good and helps us feel secure, but that’s a job and we expect to be paid, just as we’re expected to do the job. Working around home, helping other, doing something nice are not jobs; they’re ways of staying physically and mentally healthy. Working keeps the body physically active and the visual stimulation from completing a project or seeing the reaction of someone you’ve helped, is heart warming and mentally healthy.

This pond needs a little TLC and character to give it life and bring joy to those who visit. Over the next week, using bits and pieces around the property and what Nature has provided, I’m going to add a sandy beach and reconstruct and stabilize the inlet and outlet tubes.

There is a beautiful nature trail wrapping around the pond which is inaccessible do to the two washed out areas. Looking forward to exercising in Nature’s Gym (the great outdoors) completing the project and watch the kids enjoying themselves and having fun.