Under Cover Operation

It would appear that we're now enjoying our typical British summer time weather, so we've been making further progress with our new pond build between torrential downpours. Until that is the under cover operation was initiated.

No it's not some new crack down on the tabloids or anything to do with the police for that matter (although some might say Police Squad is more apt). No simply the fact that we've erected a cover over the pond so that no matter what the heavens throw at us, the glassing of the pond can be completed as scheduled. What's more, not only have we managed to cover over the pond area, but the majority of the area where the pond is sited.

Under Cover Operation

Because the majority of the area is now covered, we've been able to carry on working and titivating around the pond even when it's been absolutely throwing down. We've had to dodge the odd shower when the water's run off the top but apart from that we've managed to stay out of the wet. This has meant that we've been able to make further progress as and when it's suited us, rather then having to wait for dry spells which seem to be few and far between at present. For example we were able to complete the blockwork for the filter house area yesterday despite frequent and heavy showers throughout the day.

The blockwork's been completed by Gaz again, a local builder who was on site first thing again. He's so reliable you really could set your watch by him, and he does a great job at the same time. He's definitely been an asset on this build.

We've also managed to remove the "peaks" from the concrete that forms the pond floor so that it's a lot smoother ready for the application of the fibreglass. This work is scheduled for a week on Tuesday and we're very much looking forward to meeting Matt & Lucy from GRP Lining Services who'll be completing this work for us. In the meantime we'll be continuing with our under cover operation.

Up On The Roof

What's the chance of that happening then - the weather forecasters actually getting it right for once! Yesterday was absolutely GLORIOUS and the perfect conditions for kicking back, chillin' out, striking up the BBQ, enjoying a few beers with family and friends and simply enjoying the sunshine.

Instead we were up and down ladders, sawing, drilling, screwing & fixing and generally leaking incredible amounts of sweat. It was extremely hard going to say the least - not because of the job at hand (fitting the pond roof) but because of the relentless heat and the sun. It was perfect weather .... but not for working in. However with only a few weeks left before fibreglassing d-day we felt that we simply couldn't take the chance of leaving the work until another weekend and potentially not getting the job done due to adverse weather.

And so with blood (a few knee scrapes, splinters and general cuts & bruises), sweat and .... loads more sweat, we worked through the heat of the day ducking behind the bamboo and into the shade whenever and where ever possible, until the job was done!

There's still a multitude of jobs to start & complete never mind finish off, and we've still got the filter house to build along with plumbing in all the equipment, but we definitely feel like the old British Rail ..... "we're getting there"!

So over last two weeks we've made little progress with our pond build due to the weather we've been enjoying. In fact, it seemed that every time we picked up a piece of equipment or tool, even a tape measure or pencil, the heavens would open and the rain would pour down. It was as if whatever was being picked up was the switch, lever or button that instantly opened up some heavenly sluice which resulted in a downpour. So yes, it would appear that we're to blame for all the rain we've been having!

First thing this morning and it didn't seem like today was going to be any different but by 08.00am the rain had stopped and it remained dry for the rest of the day. Making the most of the break in the weather we cracked on and completed a few jobs that we'd been eager to complete as soon as we could. The first of these being the header pond build and the fitting of the skimmer as both needed completing prior to the 19th July (d-day for fibre glassing).

We also wanted to finish off the QT/growing on tank which we managed to achieve today!

We're now keeping our fingers crossed that the weather forecasters have got it right and that conditions stay dry for tomorrow, enabling us to get some more jobs done ... possibly even get the roof completed?

One Small Step - One Giant Leap

So things on the new pond build are progressing nicely although this current weather front is hindering progress a little. We mustn't complain though as we've experienced extremely good weather over the build period so far!

So what have we been up to since the last blog? We've concreted the area for the header pond and levelled off ready for the blockwork. We've also backfilled and levelled the area for the filter house ready for concreting as well as fitting the sump and ground drain. We've also been completing a lot of the backfilling around the pond with concrete.

Our original intention was to mix the concrete for the base of the filter house ourselves on Sunday morning however after completing this for the header pond area, we decided that a ready mix option was the better solution. Plus after a scorching start to the day the weather soon turned and by lunchtime it was raining, so in hind sight it was probably the right decision anyway. However it wasn't just the rain the stopped progress ....

After reporting in our blog about the Thrush chicks, quickly followed by their demise, we decided not to report when we discovered another event happening very close by - a Wren nesting. Literally above our heads!

One small step - quickly followed by one giant leap!

 After watching the Wren's fly back and forth for sometime now, running the Husky gauntlet as well as trying to avoid the cement mixer and all of us, it was an absolute joy to see 7 chicks take one small step and one giant leap (again literally) from the nest and into the big wide world. This first step, which was immediately followed by a giant leap to the floor had us all cringing & wincing each time one of the little mites took the plunge, but each and everyone bounced well and was soon scurrying across the gravel and eventually through the fence and into the big wide world beyond for nature to now take care of them. Work stopped not only because we were frightened of stepping on the chicks or running them over as they bounced around, however the main reason for the break was simply to enjoy this natural spectacle which is only normally witnessed via the TV screen. Safe to say ... it made our weekend!

Blocking Marvelous

Saturday morning 08.00am sharp and Gaz was on site readying a mix before we'd even had chance to offer him a cuppa before starting. He already had the days schedule planned out so we were up and at 'em before the big hand on my watch had reached 15 minutes past the hour.With the first mix already being plundered it was time to get the second mix of the day doing somersaults and getting "fluffy" - just how Gaz likes it!

Before long the remainder of the walls were brought up level and all four corners built up to their final heights. The morning was proving to be a bit of a scorcher weather wise - great for sunbathing & BBQ's but definitely not for lumping concrete blocks around as well as aggregates for the mixes. After a good old sausage butty for lunch the remainder of the blocks were laid and by 3pm we'd even managed to clean up ... as well as finish the main pond build itself.

There's still a few jobs to complete for the main pond build itself such as fitting the skimmer and putting the finishing touches to the pond floor. There's also the header pond still to build as well as the filter house and the pond roof, but we definitely feel that a major milestone has been reached.

Sunday morning and after a bit of a sleep in (well for some of us anyway) followed by a lovely cup of coffee and a croissant, it was back out in the garden again for some more titivating. We were soon joined by Grandma & Grandad and so while Grandma kept the "foreman" entertained we set about concreting in the posts which will support the pond roof. We also took the opportunity to back fill a little along the way.

Regular As Block Work

To cut a long story short, Sunday morning came around far too soon following yet another nights restless sleep. You would have thought that we'd have both gone out like a light following the days additional workout, however it would seem that our muscles had other ideas. Although we were both up before the alarm was due to go off, it was quite sometime before the message was received by our arms and legs.

Our appendages kind of sprung into action though when bang on 08.00am, Gaz turned up as promised. Within minutes a mix was on and levels checked with the theodolite as well as the corners being checked with a rather large builders square. With all the levels etc being given the all clear, work soon commenced on the next layer of block work whilst more sand & cement etc was thrown into the mixer in readiness.

Despite a brief rain shower and the threat of a torrential downpour at one point, we made excellent progress throughout the day as well as enjoying a lovely scone for elevenses and a gorgeous sausage butty for ones es! And to top it all off, close of play sees us just over 3 courses short of our goal.

Although block work wasn't on the agenda for Bank Holiday Monday, we had planned to complete a whole host of other tasks in connection with the new pond build such as digging a channel for the water and electric supplies, plus the foundation for the header pond. However normal weather service for a Bank Holiday had resumed and the rain put pay to any plans we had of getting out in the garden and completing any work without getting caked in mud. However we really can't complain about the weather as we've enjoyed more than our fair share of good weather so far ... but it would be nice to just have a little more.

The Shape Of Things To Come

The weekend was upon us yet again which in turn meant the possibility the start of another chapter in our new pond build - the start of the block work! However, before any work could be started there was the small task of getting the materials from the drive to the rear of the property where the hole for the pond currently resided ...

We paced ourselves and after a couple of hours back and forth we'd managed to shift 7 pallets of blocks (308 individuals blocks) which we then stacked around the hole ready for work to commence in the morning. The 12 bags of cement plus the posts which will be used later had already been taken through, so just gone 20.00hrs on Friday we called it a day and retired ready to commence battle in the morning.

After a restless night due to the aches and pains gained from moving all the blocks, morning came around too soon. It's very difficult to brush your teeth when you've got Popeye arms so after bruising my gums it was time for quick coffee and some toast whilst we waited for Gaz to arrive, a local lad who we employed to lay the block work for us. He arrived at 08.00am on the dot as promised and no sooner was he out of his car he was setting up the equipment that would ensure the block work was built up straight and true. He was quite impressed how level the base was and commented that it would certainly make his job a bit easier. After checking the levels again, confirming our plans and double checking the measurements etc, it was time to crack on with the build. I was going to be his labourer for the day and had already had instructions in mixing the perfect "fluffy" not wet mix. The first batch was soon ready and into the wheel barrow and distributed to the strategically placed boards around the hole and the ingredients for the next mix churning around in the mixer. This was to be the rhythm for the remainder of the day as slowly but surely the block work magically arose from our of the base. By the end of the day considerable progress had been made, especially when you consider that the first couple of hours was spent marking out and checking plans and levels etc.

More blocks were brought through from the drive and positioned in and around the pond (it was now no longer deemed a hole)  in readiness for the next days building which was again due to commence at 08.00am.