Fall day…

It’s been a long time since I wrote a post, I am out of practice. Somehow over the past year, I’ve fallen out of my routine of writing. When I began writing making the Days Count dot org I embraced the writing routine. Writing is a healthy habit and I am thankful that my fall from blogging hasn’t been a health issue, but rather a time issue.

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it’s a beautiful sunny day – gonna make it count! #makeitaGREATday

A post shared by Clay Watkins (@makingthedayscount) on

A year ago, last summer, I had my right knee surgically replaced; six months later in December 2018, I had my left knee replaced. My writing took a back seat to recovery and almost a full year later, I am fully healed and pain-free. I can’t tell you how much better I feel and how much easier it is to move. This past summer I was able to do things I couldn’t have imagined doing before the two knee surgeries.

This afternoon my son, W, and I went for a walk at the Morton Arboretum. The arboretum is close by and the trails are carved into a woodland wonderland. One of my first post-knee surgery walks was at the arboretum. Walking the trails is enough to move with a purpose and clear my head. This afternoon W and I covered a little less than two and a half miles and we were able to stop and visit with two of the trolls. It was wonderful to get up and move but it was especially good to have a walking partner, more than anyone can know.

It’s that time of the year when the leaves change from green to yellow, orange, red, and even purple and fall to the ground. We are blessed to have trees that shade the backside of our home during the summer and early fall. Our trees make an afternoon or summer evening in the backyard or on the deck much more pleasant and the trees contribute to a difference in our utility bills.

When we arrived home after our walk, O – my daughter and W’s sister, was outside raking the leaves that had fallen on the driveway and the yard in yesterday’s rain. We joined in and finished the work. Many hands make light work. It was good to be outside working in the fall sunshine.

October brings the largest drop in temperatures from the beginning to end the of the month. We literally go from shorts to jackets with November knocking on the door. The forecast for the coming week includes rain and snow late in the week. Saturday night also brings the annual fall back in time and the end of daylight savings time which also means the sunset will arrive an hour earlier next week and I’ll be driving home from school in the darkness the following week.

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you may know I have a story to tell. I am working on the reveal, but for now I am thankful that I was able to share a walk with W and yard work with the two of them.

It has been a great day and I know better days lie ahead even with falling leaves and dropping temperatures. Making the Days Count, one day at a time, spending an afternoon to walk and do yard work together.

When was the last time you enjoyed doing yard work?   

10 thoughts on “Fall day…

  1. Lovely to hear from you, Clay. I’m glad your new knees are working out well for you. And especially glad for new photos of that beautiful arboretum. I’ve missed those trolls.

    My intuition tells me that a clue to the story you have to tell is in the photo of W standing behind the bench that says STRENGTH. A story of strength, courage, and abiding love. You will tell it when the time is right for all of you.

    And, I, for one will be right here to read it, when you do.

    Blessings to you and your family!

    1. Patricia, sometimes my fingers can over commit. I’ve sat down numerous times since this post and never finished writing or editing them. Perhaps the new year will bring more time or more focus. All I know is that I am thankful for all that I have. Have a wonderful day and peace on Earth goodwill toward all.

  2. Margaret – no hiking? or limited hiking? oh my. It is good to be back writing, I’ve got a big project that I am working on and need time and permission. I think I’ll get both. In the meantime – it’s Monday and back to school. Learning something new everyday. Enjoy the waning days of October. Peace.

    1. Margaret – no hiking? or limited hiking? oh my. It is good to be back writing, I’ve got a big project that I am working on and need time and permission. I think I’ll get both. In the meantime – it’s Monday and back to school. Learning something new everyday. Enjoy the waning days of October. Peace. (posted on 10/28 – not sure if you read it – wishing you and your family the merriest of Christmases!)

Thanks for visiting MtDC. How are YOU Making YOUR Days Count?