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On August 12, 2006 we had our first pond party in Woodinville!  We selected the date as it was 10 years ago that Rob and I met, 5 years ago that we had our commitment ceremony and that Woody had built our first pond.

No one went into the pond at the first open house in Kirkland, but Woody did make it into the pond at the party on August 12.  He had some help from Rob and I.  A lot of people knew it was going to happen - that is most everyone with the exception of Woody!  Pictures of him going into the pond may be viewed here.

The pictures below are of the pond as it was on the morning of August 13, 2006.

This is the view you see as you approach our front door.  This gate is in the Japanese style, but a moon gate is planned for next year.  A moon gate is typically used to mark a different area of a Chinese garden, but ours will be an entry and will have a copper gate to protect children from entering the yard.	Opening the gates, you see the greeting rock that was found in the back of our property along with the terra cotta warriors.  The island is off to the left. Where the meta sign is now, the Konji characters of the name of the pond will be sand blasted soon.  The name of the pond is Horse Dragon Lake.  The Chinese version of lake will indicate it is a man made lake.	A better view of the terra cotta warriors.

The gong to the right of the warriors.  This is tuned and has a deep resonant sound to it when struck properly.  It was made from an oxygen tank.  The circle is an old wagon wheel while the base is from an old tiller.	The island which is lit at all times.  In the evening this appears as a small light in a vast  lake.  The effect is very nice as you walk through the yard or along the street.	Sitting on the bench at the edge of the bog, you are able to view the bridge and island.  It is a wonderful view!

This view is not one that you would normally be able to see, as it is taken from the flower bed just outside of the bog.  The plant you see in this picture is a variegated cattail.	Another view of the island showing the weeping sequoia on the left and the blue weeping pine on the right.	The dragon as it appears from the gazebo side of the pond approaching the bridge.

Two of the stone horses that we have are pictured here as you approach the private rock next to the waterfall.  The far horse is about to jump the stream. The bamboo behind the jumping horse is buried 24 inches below the ground level so that it can support the low weeping birch above the grotto.	This image of the waterfall is from the end of the lower pond.  The waterfall is back lit and throws shadows and light shows on the opposite side of the pond at night.	Frank Lloyd Wright's Water Nymph is shown here at the end of the lower pond.  Behind her is one of the two blue atlas trees by the pond.

Reflections in the Pond

One of the wonderful effects that we have observed since the pond installation are the reflections that have been created in the upper pond which is very still.  The two ponds are distinctly different, but both are very relaxing.

Tiger Lilies and the tree from in front of our home are shown here with part of the island.  The evening of the party the lilies were creating a nice scent for those in the gazebo.	The costal island pine that is on the island is pictured with its reflection in this picture.	The main entry to our garden along with the fence and trees in our yard with those from across the street.

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