I would say your dream is awake and coming to fruition. It is a blessing of sorts to have the natural topography that defines a good pond zone, even before excavation. It's luck to have it and not even know it. This is the karma part of your dream; it bodes well.
Are there any water wells within a half mile or so? The Illinois DNR will have well drilling records that will detail the soil types encountered all the way down. If the wells are nearby (within 1000 feet or so), it will help a little with a snapshot of what might be underfoot at your crib.
