I took out the clotheslines, and my sister helped me dig a hole and spread the cement to create my first fishpond. We learned that Portland cement can be very caustic.

The fishpond wasn't very deep, and a simple wooden bench sat at the edge, but it was a cool little oasis in what used to be a boring yard.

I caught minnows in the river and put them in the pond, and frogs, lizards and other wildlife came on their own to drink the water and live in the plants and rocks surrounding it.