2025 December 30 Tuesday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Rae, Sandy, Grace, Suzie, Michelle, Dianna, Jo, Joan, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning and had gourmet brownies and banana bread.
AGENDA: TUE December 30
Kristen H's birthday
Love your spouse✔️
12:00 p Ella to Dr Patel✔️
5:00 p 5 Crowns✔️
DOCTOR: Ella had a noon appointment with Dr Patel, her neurologist. Not really an examination, more of a question and answer session. She came away with a new prescription.
WEATHER: It was another cold start to the day. It is supposed to be 52° by the time we need to go to Ella's doctor appointment.
FIVE CROWNS: Cindy, Ann, Ella, Linda, Steve, and I played cards while Maureen and Sandy watched
HEALTH Heart Rate 71 bpm, BP ---/--, Oxy 99%, No Sleep Data Today, 2.2 Events per hour, Weight 277.6, 1123 Steps, .51 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 29 Monday in Leander
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Ella, Michelle, Jo, Muriel, Avis, Dixie, Val, Dianna, and I were at coffee this morning. Notice that everyone is warmly dressed. We had a wind-chill of 33° this morning. That's a bit of a change from yesterday's 78° high.
AGENDA: MON December 29
Love your spouse✔️
INR Check (Home)✔️2.4
5:00 p Canasta❌
BREAKFAST: I made pancakes with cherry pie filling topping.
WEATHER:
CANASTA: Ella and I took our cards and accessories to the community room but no one else arrived so we came home and played Five Crowns instead.
HEALTH Heart Rate 66 bpm, BP ---/--, Oxy 95%, Sleep 11:10 PM to 06:40 AM, 07h12m Total, REM 00h12m, Deep 02h12m, Light 04h48m, Awake 00h18m, 90% of goal, 1.4 Events per hour, Weight 274.6, 329 Steps, .18 miles, INR 2.4
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 28 Sunday in Leander and Liberty Hill
Proof of Life Photo
AGENDA SUN December 28
Tate W's birthday
Love your spouse✔️
10:00 a Sunday school✔️
11:00 a TOM PREACH✔️
11:00 a Worship✔️
SUNDAY SCHOOL:
WORSHIP: Unintended Consequences
LUNCH: homemade beef stew with dumplings.
WEATHER
HEALTH Heart Rate 63 bpm, BP ---/--, Oxy 95%, Sleep 11:54 PM to 08:13 AM, 08h10m Total, REM 00h21m, Deep 02h44m, Light 05h05m, Awake 00h09m, 100% of goal, 1.4 Events per hour, Weight 274.6, 1436 Steps, .66 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 27 Saturday in Leander
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Dianna, Michelle, Joan, Grace, Rae, Suzie, Val, Linda, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning.
AGENDA: SAT December 27
Charlotte R's birthday✔️
Love your spouse✔️
10:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
FACIAL RECOGNITION: December 22 would have been my sister Maryann’s birthday. Since I was thinking about her I asked my phone to bring up photos of her. It did. However it also brought up photos of Joan, a friend at Hills at Leander. The top two photos are my sister and the bottom two are Joan.
DOLLAR TREE: Ella needed to go to Dollar Tree for bingo prizes.
DQ: We drove through Dairy Queen to get a blizzard and some cheese curds for Ella. My intentions were to drive through Panda Express for Orange Chicken for myself. However my bowels had a different destination in mind. They won. I lost.
PILLS: Before going to Dollar Tree I began filling my medication into a month's worth of pill sorters. Upon returning home I finished the task with the vitamins and minerals.
WEATHER:
GAMES: Ella and I played several games of Fast Track. We both won at least one game.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 63 bpm, BP ---/--, Oxy 95%, Sleep 11:54 PM to 08:13 AM, 08h10m Total, REM 00h21m, Deep 02h44m, Light 05h05m, Awake 00h09m, 100% of goal, 1.9 Events per hour, Weight 274.6, 859 Steps, .39 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 26 Friday our anniversary in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life Photo from 32 years ago …
and today.
COFFEE KLATSCH: Ella, Michelle, Dianna, Joan, Andrea, Grace, Suzie, Val, Muriel, and I were at coffee this morning.
AGENDA: FRI December 26
Tom & Ella anniversary✔️
Love your spouse✔️
6:00 p Happy Hour❌
RING: Getting Ella's wedding ring repaired and resized after it was cut off prior to surgery. She'll have it back on January 9th of next year.
WEATHER:
MALL: Santa wasn't there so we sat in his chair. Actually we had three reasons to be at the mall today. For our anniversary I promised my bride that is get her wedding ring repaired and the broken screen on her phone fixed. And I had left a few items in the changing area which I wanted to take home. I got my reading glasses and the seat and back cushions which I used when seated in that Santa chair for up to 10 hours. I received my items and we got her ring in for repair. The phone repair place didn't have the parts that they needed for her phone. I guess we will go to Verizon though I doubt that they do any in-house repairs.
LUNCH: We planned to go to the new Texas Roadhouse today. We arrived right at twelve o'clock only to see the posted hours which said they open at four today. Culver's was a sad second choice but it was literally minutes away. I had a cheeseburger and fries while Ella had shrimp and Cole slaw.
FAST TRACK: We played 6 or 7 games and I won them all. I jokingly said, “When people ask what I did for our anniversary. I'll say ‘I beat my wife! Repeatedly. And she kept coming back for more.’”
HAPPY HOUR: The Friday potluck was cancelled due to imagined low attendance.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 63 bpm, BP ---/--, Oxy 95%, Sleep 11:40 PM to 06:22 AM, 06h26m Total, REM 00h29m, Deep 02h39m, Light 03h18m, Awake 00h16m, 80% of goal, 2.4 Events per hour, Weight 274.6, 931 Steps, .42 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 25 Christmas in Leander and Round Rock
Merry Christmas
Tom and Ella Journal
Our Life's Journey
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Muriel, Dianna, Grace, Joan, Michelle, Rae, Sandy, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning. I had to get caught up with all the gossip events that is missed out on over the last few weeks
BREAKFAST Grits to start the day. Elkla eats hers with sugar and milk (I know it's wrong but I can't get her to change) I have mine with butter and salt because I didn't make gravy.
AGENDA: THU December 25
Love your spouse✔️
9:00a Coffee Klatsch✔️
12:00 p Christmas at Adam's ✔️
CHRISTMAS: It's all about family and food when the Williamses get together
WEATHER:
GAME: We played a couple rounds of Fast Track once we were home. Then, after a rest which may have included a nap, we played several more rounds. Though we both won several times I believe Ella was the allover winner
HEALTH: Heart Rate 69 bpm, BP ---/--, Oxy 97. By%, Sleep 10:51 PM to 08:02 AM, 08h27m Total, REM 00h22m, Deep 03h05m, Light 05h00m, Awake 00h44m, 100% of goal, 1.8 Events per hour, Weight 276.8 lb, 2075 Steps, .95 Miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 24 Christmas Eve in Leander, Cedar Park, and Liberty Hill
Proof of Life Photo
MALL: I arrived at the Mall parking lot at 8:21. Was in costume by 8:35 and punched in at 8:45. It was 1:13 when I punched out and Santa Terry hadn't arrived yet. I'm not sure he knew how to check his schedule online.
HOME & AWAY: As I pulled into my parking spot at home Ella came out on the patio. I asked if she wanted to go for lunch. Yes she did.
She ordered a cinnamon cream cheese crepe. I had the world's thinnest t-bone steak, mashed potatoes, and salad.
AGENDA WED December 24
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Santa at Lakeline 9-1✔️
5:00 p Christmas Eve Service✔️
HOME AGAIN: I didn't waste much time before taking a nap upon our return home.
WORSHIP: We arrived at 4:50 for the five o'clock Christmas Eve service. The children and youth participated in the service. The service consisted of Scripture readings followed by Christmas hymns followed by scriptures followed by hymns.
WEATHER: Christmas eve and temperatures near 80°. It was still 76° at 8 PM. We saw people playing tennis at the leader high school as we were on the way home this evening. This Iowa boy still expects snow and below freezing temps on Christmas Eve.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 65 bpm, BP ---/--, Oxy 97. By%, Sleep 10:47 PM to 06:59 AM, 08h00m Total, REM 00h48m, Deep 02h05m, Light 05h05m, Awake 00h12m, 100% of goal, 1.9 Events per hour, Weight 278.0 lb, 2075 Steps, .95 Miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 23 Tuesday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life Photo 
AGENDA TUE December 23✔️
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Santa at Lakeline 9-3✔️
5:00 p 5 Crowns✔️
WEATHER
MALL I arrived at 8:12 after taking the toll road to work. I was suited up and ready to go by 8:34. The first of the photography staff arrived at 8:38. I managed to punch in at 8:45. Once again I was unable to punch out because by the time I had turned on the phone and got the software loaded, it was too late to punch out. Today was as busy as yesterday and the photographers were better prepared with at least 3 and sometimes 4 people working. That allowed them to switch off and take some short breaks while keeping the line moving. Santa had many babies and a few special needs folks entrusted to him today which made him very happy.
FIVE CROWNS: Ella, Ann, Lucille, Steve, and Fran played cards this evening. Tom started home and watched the Cross Tracks Church Facebook broadcast from last Sunday.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 65 bpm, BP ---/--, Oxy 97. By%, Sleep 10:47 PM to 06:59 AM, 08h00m Total, REM 00h48m, Deep 02h05m, Light 05h05m, Awake 00h12m, 100% of goal, 1.9 Events per hour, Weight 278.0 lb, 1318 Steps, .60 Miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 22 Monday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life photo
AGENDA:MON December 22
Love your spouse✔️
INR Check (Home)✔️
9:00 a Santa at Lakeline 9-3✔️
5:00 p Canasta✔️
WEATHER:
MALL Counting today I have only 16 hours left of Santa season.
This is yesterday's crowd still there when I left and Santa Terry took over.
This morning I arrived at the mall at 8:17. I punched in at 8:45 but was unable to punch out at 3:15 because the software didn't load until it was too late to punch out.
Today, as expected, was extremely busy. Tomorrow is another 6 hour day which will most likely be as busy or more so than today. Christmas Eve will be a 4 hour day because the mall has shorter hours. I don't really know what to expect on Christmas Eve for traffic at the Santa set. Some years like 2023 it was crazy busy but 2024 not so much.
CANASTA: Steve, Ella, and I played cards this evening. To no one's surprise Steve won.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 65 bpm, BP ---/--, Oxy 97. By%, Sleep 10:54 PM to 06:58 AM, 08h03m Total, REM 00h37m, Deep 03h35m, Light 03h51m, Awake 00h01m, 100% of goal, 3.2 Events per hour, Weight 277.8 lb, 1481 Steps, .68 miles, INR 2.0
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 21 Sunday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life Photo
AGENDA SUN December 21
Adam W's birthday,✔️
Love your spouse✔️
10:00 a Santa at Lakeline 10-3✔️
WEATHER
MALL: It was non-stop lines of children and adults who came to sit with Santa and nearly all of them purchased photos also. There was one noticeable glitch in the system today. Although it happened with a Spanish speaking family it wasn't really a translation problem but a lack of proper communication. This large family had many photos in different poses with various combinations of persons. The mother wanted prints of four of the poses. The system is capable of printing three different poses with the rest available for digital download. She knew what she wanted and couldn't accept that the photography computer equipment just simply was incapable of printing the fourth photo. This caused a very long delay and the line continued to grow. I really don't know how the manager solved it but eventually the line began to move again.
BEING 79: I was worn out today. The l o n g day yesterday and the constant activity today wiped me out. I came home, ate, laid down to watch some YouTube and immediately went to sleep. I woke up about six thirty PM when Ella called me from the community room where she had gone to play Mexican Train. She wanted to make sure I had the trash set out for pickup. I hadn't but soon did.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 65 bpm, BP ---/--, Oxy 97. By%, Sleep 11:04 PM to 07:13 AM, 08h48m Total, REM 00h28m, Deep 03h23m, Light 05h57m, Awake 00h21m, 100% of goal, 3.2 Events per hour, Weight 275.4 lb, 1025 Steps
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 20 Saturday in Leander, Cedar Park, and Lampasas
Proof of Life Photo
MALL: I arrived at the mall at 8:08 and was in costume by 8:29. Punched in at 8:45 AM and it at 3:13 PM. The line was constant non-stop from open until I left at 3.
MORE SANTA: I arrived home from the mall at 3:36 (I took the toll road). By 4:01 I had changed into my Santa Chronicles Santa suit and was on the road toward Lampasas. At 4:44 Mrs Claus and I arrived at Western Avenue Dawg. We visited with a few children and adults until 6:50. We then took the 2 minute drive to Andy Fish's home where we had photos with a couple of children and lots of adults plus a few dogs as they celebrated Fishmas. At 7:57 PM we were back on the road toward home. We arrived home at 8:50. It was quite a full day for Santa. I earned $228 at the mall (before taxes) in six hours. I also received a $50 tip (nontaxable). Mrs clause and I earned $300 for the one hour at Fishmas. The time at Western Avenue Dawg was our gift to help a friend. And she bought our supper. So I guess we worked for food.
AGENDA SAT December 20
Sofia W's birthday✔️
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Santa at Lakeline 9-3✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
5:30 p Western Ave Dawg✔️
7:00 p Fishmas in Lampasas✔️
WEATHER
HEALTH: Heart Rate 61 bpm, BP ---/--, Oxy 97. By%, Sleep 10:37 PM to 06:43 AM, 07h59m Total, REM 00h28m, Deep 03h04m, Light 04h27m, Awake 00h07m, 99% of goal, 3.2 Events per hour, Weight 273.6, 1805 Steps, .83 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 19 Friday in Leander and Liberty Hill
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH
AGENDA December 19
Love your spouse✔️
10:00 a Santa at Lakeline 10-3✔️
6:00 p Happy Hour✔️
WEATHER
MALL: Today's schedule 10:00 to 3:00. I arrived at the mall at 8:43 and was in costume by 9:09. My nose is dripping like a faucet. That's not a good look for Santa. I had a family of French Canadians come visit Santa. Santa wished them a Joyeux Noel. It was a pretty consistent flow of visitors and nearly all also purchased photos. I also had a gentleman who looked more like me than my face in the mirror. He said a friend dated him to get photos with Santa. I have him my Santa hat to wear in the photo. The children in line asked about him and I told them he was Santa's younger brother. Ricky D. from the apartment complex came to the set to say hello.
HAPPY HOUR: Ella and I took a pineapple upside-down cake to tonight's potluck. My sneezing and snotting sent me back home early. Ella stayed and enjoyed herself.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 83 bpm, BP ---/--, Oxy 95%, Sleep 11:51 PM to 07:01 AM, 07h30m Total, REM 00h36m, Deep 02h51m, Light 04h03m, Awake 00h16m, 93% of goal, 3.2 Events per hour, Weight 273.6, 1625 Steps, .75 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 18 Thursday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Avis, Dianna, Michelle, Val, Jo, Joan, Suzie, and Ella were at coffee this morning.
AGENDA THU December 18
Love your spouse✔️
10:00 a Santa at Lakeline 10-3✔️
4:30 p HCCM✔️
6:00 p Bingo (Community Rm)✔️
TOWN HALL: Today was the monthly town hall meeting for the apartment complex. I wasn't there but Ella reported one item that pertained to us. They don't want flower pots with just dirt left on patios or balconies.
WEATHER
MALL: My schedule today 20-3, Fri 10-3, Sat 9-3, Sun 10-3, Mon 9-3, Tue 9-3, Wed 9-1 final. I arrived at the mall at 8:58 and was in costume by 9:10. Finley had some technical issues getting the camera and computer to talk to each other. However she solved it in time to open on time at ten. We had four photo sessions before 11:00. One little boy will be 1 year old on Christmas Day. Just before noon a middle-aged couple came for photos. As they were leaving he said, "She's Jewish." Santa wished her a happy Hanukkah. Around 1:00 a large family of large folks came for the 23rd year in a row. At 1:30 two security guards ran towards Dillard's women's store. I have no idea what's going on.
HCCM: It was time for our monthly food pickup from Hill Country Community Ministries. As always, there were items we didn't need or could not use. Those went to the in-house food pantry
Except for the ground meat, all of the frozen food went into the freezer in the community kitchen.
BINGO: Ella hosted bingo tonight. She now does this twice a month. She used to do it every week.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 83 bpm, BP ---/--, Oxy 95%, Sleep 10:26 PM to 07:20 AM, 08h32m Total, REM 00h10m, Deep 02h44m, Light 05h38m, Awake 00h22m, 100% of goal, 3.2 Events per hour, Weight 272.4, 1595 Steps, .73 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 17 Wednesday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life Photo
BREAKFAST was sausage gravy with biscuits and egg.
COFFEE KLATSCH: Jo, Suzie, Larry, Rose, Dianna, Michelle, Donna, Muriel, and Ella were at coffee this morning.
AGENDA WED December 17
Love your spouse✔️
10:00 a Santa at Lakeline 10-3✔️
MALL: I arrived at the mall at 9:13 and was in my costume by 9:23. The manager/photographer was there by 9:30. I was on the clock at 9:45. Punched out at 3:13.
Stephanie was the manager today. Finley came in around 2:00 or so. A three to four year old Spanish speaking girl came running to Santa for hugs and photos an hour before the mall ever opened. It was a slow but steady up through noon. Between 12:00 and 1:00 Santa had several reluctant visitors. One three year old girl stomped her feet and yelled no no no. But then came and sat with Santa and talked and talked and talked. Grandma had trouble coaxing her away from Santa in the end. A mother and a 6-year-old son both came in gray sweat suits for photos. Santa had a couple of young women dressed as ragged horror clowns. Santa gets them all.
WEATHER It was a wet drizzly start to the day. And then it was wet and drizzly the rest of the day also
SUPPER: Ella asked me to stop and pick up something to eat on the way home. I was hungry when I went through KFC and I bought an 8 piece family meal. Andy's frozen custard was near enough to KFC that I got shakes for Ella and me. I ate one piece of chicken. I think Ella had two smaller pieces. The rest went in the refrigerator.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 65 bpm, BP ---/--, Oxy 95%, Sleep 11:26 PM to 07:24 AM, 07h55m Total, REM 00h37m, Deep 02h57m, Light 04h21m, Awake 00h03m, 98% of goal, 3.2 Events per hour, Weight 273.8 , 1548 Steps, .71 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 16 Tuesday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life
MALL: I arrived at the mall at 9:03 after stopping at QT for gasoline. I was in costume by 9:28. I was punched in by 9:45. By 10 I should have been on the set, however there was no manager nor photographer. At 10:15 I was preparing to send a message off to Zack the district manager and got a text from him saying that the manager was ill and not going to make it. But saraya was coming and would be there as soon as possible. As soon as possible ended up being 10:26 when we finally got out onto the set. Our first appointment had been waiting since 10:00. So we hardly got them in. It was a two and a half year old girl who after getting the pictures taken did not want to leave Santa. Mom or Grandma I'm not sure which. She ended up playing Ring around Rosie chasing the little girl around the set trying to grab her and put her in the stroller. The girl did not want to go. Later a little girl named Morgan came with her dad for pictures. She was nervous but when Santa had a book for her to read about Spot the dog she helped turn the pages. Dad got some nice photos. Then a four-year-old boy came. He wouldn't sit with Santa but he stood next to Santa and got his pictures taken with him smiling and a fist bump with Santa. Just before noon I had a grandfather, father, and adult son sit with Santa. Grandpa was from Germany. So when he wished Santa Merry Christmas Santa responded “Und Prost Neujahr.”
Everyone is welcome to come visit with Santa.
AGENDA TUE December 16
Love your spouse✔️
10:00 a Santa at Lakeline 10-3✔️
5:00 p 5 Crowns✔️
FIVE CROWNS: Ella, Ann, Fran, Lucille, Sandy, and I played cards. That is until I had to sprint to the nearest bathroom. I came back to the table long enough to play my hand and then ran home. Ella stayed to play.
WEATHER
HEALTH: Heart Rate 65 bpm, BP ---/--, Oxy 95%, Sleep 10:54 PM to 07:24 AM, 08h21m Total, REM 01h07m, Deep 01h47m, Light 05h27m, Awake 00h09m, 100% of goal, 1.5 Events per hour, Weight 275.0 , 1548 Steps, .71 miles
®2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 15 Monday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life Photo
AGENDA MON December 15
Austin P's birthday✔️
Love your spouse✔️
INR Check (Home)❌
10:00 a Santa at Lakeline 10-3✔️
5:00 p Canasta✔️
MALL: I arrived at the mall at 9:06. I was in costume by 9:20. Clocked in at 9:45. And on the set by 10:00. I checked out at 3:12.
It was busy for a Monday (which means not very) but I had expected to see crowds and lines which never happened. I usually don't know or care what the photographers dollar goal is for the day because I can neither directly influence the dollar outcome or be influenced by the dollar goal. Visits with Santa are always free with photo packages available for purchase. Santa's goal it to see that children and parents receive the best possible experience with Santa. I try to work with the photographers to create photogenic experiences.
HOME: I had time to eat and pay bills before Ella said, “It's time to go.” Meaning it was time for canasta in the community room.
WEATHER
CANASTA: Ann and Jane teamed against Ella and I. We won. That's all I have to say about that.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 63 bpm, BP ---/--, Oxy 95%, Sleep 11:14 PM to 07:22 AM, 08h05m Total, REM 00h24m, Deep 03h52m, Light 03h48m, Awake 00h03m, 100% of goal, 1.6 Events per hour, Weight 275.0 , 1365 Steps, .63 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 14 Sunday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life Photo
AGENDA SUN December 14
Love your spouse✔️
10:00 a Santa at Lakeline 10-3✔️
4:00 p Home Party 🚂✔️
WEATHER
MALL: We opened the Santa set at 10:00 this morning even though the stores in the mall didn't open until noon. I thought the manager had made a mistake. However, people had booked appointments for 10. We hit the deck running and it was still going full force when I left at 3:00. I had several people tell me that they had come for photos yesterday. When they saw that it wasn't me in the Santa suit they left to come back today. I guess people really do notice the difference I make.
HOME VISIT: Santa had a lot of fun at this event. There were at least 20 adults and I'm not sure how many children. I called to let them know when I was close. The father came out to greet me and guide me into the garage while Mom got the guests occupied. Then she came out to give Santa a Santa bag with bags of gifts and some sleigh bells. I then went out of the garage and came in the front door ringing the bells and hohohoing. The children came up one at a time for photos and to talk with Santa and receive a gift bag. Santa then read “A Visit With Saint Nicholas”. Then they came back for family photos with their parents. And various group photos of adults and children. There were snacks and drinks and Santa played Hungry Hungry Hippos with some of the children. Children and adults came to talk with Santa. The homeowners came to tell me that they had already placed an order with Hire Santa for me to come back next year. And they gave me a bonus above what they paid the company.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 68 bpm, BP 119/70, Oxy 95%, Sleep 11:15 PM to 07:55 AM, 08h02m Total, REM 00h25m, Deep 03h35m, Light 04h00m, Awake 00h38m, 100% of goal, 1.3 Events per hour, Weight 276.0 , 2526 Steps, 1.17 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 13 Saturday in Leander and Austin
COFFEE KLATSCH: Michelle, Muriel, ?, Maureen, Dianna, Jo, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning.
AGENDA SAT December 13
Love your spouse✔️
10:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
12:00 p Santa At Electric Shuffle✔️
WEATHER:
ELECTRIC SHUFFLE: Joan offered to drive us into Austin so we didn't have to look for a parking spot. It saved us potential headaches. What is Electric Shuffle? It is a high-tech social venue that modernizes traditional shuffleboard with automated scoring, interactive games, food, craft cocktails, and a lively atmosphere. We arrived just prior to noon and the place was very busy. The managers handed us a Christmas stocking with naughty or nice cards in it. Ella and I took it around through the crowd asking people to draw a card to determine which list they're on. If they drew a nice card they were rewarded with a variety of drinks. If they drew a naughty card it might say Get kicked out, but a round for a friend, get a free water, or high give Santa. We circulated for four hours. Joan picked us up and brought us home for free.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 68 bpm, BP 119/70, Oxy 95%, Sleep 11:15 PM to 07:55 AM, 08h02m Total, REM 00h25m, Deep 03h35m, Light 04h00m, Awake 00h38m, 100% of goal, 1.3 Events per hour, Weight 276.0 , 2526 Steps, 1.17 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 12 Friday in Leander and Liberty Hill
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH : Avis, Dianna, Michelle, Jo, Joan, Suzie, Val, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning.
AGENDA FRI December 12
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
11:00 a Santa at Lakeline 11-3✔️
6:00 p Happy Hour✔️
WEATHER
MALL: I arrived at the mall at 10:13 AM, I quickly made my way to the dressing room and was in costume by 10:22. With just a few minutes to spare, I was able to punch in at 10:45 and start my shift as Santa Claus. Today was a slower paced day compared to yesterday, but it was no less meaningful. Many special needs individuals came to visit me for selfies, even though it technically goes against the rules of the photography company. However, we made allowances for them because seeing their joy and excitement was worth bending the rules. One special friend, Ian, who has Downs syndrome, came with his mother. I was amazed to see how much he had grown since the first time I met him as a preteen. His strength had also grown as he could now deadlift 135 pounds. Another family with three boys also came to see me. The mother shared photos on her phone from over the last thirteen years of her boys with me at the mall. It filled me with joy to know that I could be a small part of their Christmas tradition and create memories that they will cherish for years to come. Overall, it was a heartwarming and fulfilling day at the mall as Santa Claus.
GAMES: We played two and Ella won them both.
ELLA attended Happy Hour tonight while I stayed home. My throat has been sore and my voice was rough all day. I'm trying to soothe it tonight. I hope it will be better tomorrow in time for my gig at Electric Shuffle.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 69 bpm, BP 11570, Oxy 95%, Sleep 10:37 PM to 07:27 AM, 08h33m Total, REM 00h43m, Deep 03h12m, Light 04h38m, Awake 00h27m, 100% of goal, 1.3 Events per hour, Weight 276.2, 1749 Steps, .81 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 11 Thursday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Donna, Muriel, Donna, Jo, Grace, Suzie, Dianna, Michelle, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning.
SANTA after the mall: I had a call from someone that Ella and I know. She asked if Santa did home visits. I said yes and told what my hourly rate is. I quoted the friends and family rate. She will tell her daughter. In the meantime I received a call from the family that I will be visiting this coming Sunday. Their rates were set by Hire Santa which is a company that sets appointments for Santa. They are also the ones who contacted me about the business gig I'll be doing on Saturday. I'm still waiting to hear back from another business that I have worked with for the last two years. They sent a text requesting two weekends for their stores in Round Rock and Lampasas. However I'm already booked for those dates.
AGENDA: THU December 11
Love your spouse✔️
Coffee at the Hills✔️
11:00 a Santa at Lakeline 11-3✔️
WEATHER:
MALL: I arrived at the mall at 10:02 and by 10:17 I was dressed and ready to go. My schedule today is from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 4 hours on set.
Today was a good day for both Santa and the photographer. We had a pretty steady flow through the afternoon. There was never a line but we weren't bored either.
GAMES: My bride and I played several games of Fast Track this evening. Ella won all but one.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 69 bpm, BP 109/75, Oxy 99%, Sleep 01:06 AM to 07:23 AM, 06h11m Total, REM 00h03m, Deep 02h18m, Light 03h50m, Awake 00h06m, 77% of goal, 1.8 Events per hour, Weight 274.6, 2182 Steps, . 1.02 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 10 Wednesday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Dianna, Jo, Grace, Suzie, Muriel, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning.
AGENDA WED December 10
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
11:00 a Santa at Lakeline 11-3✔️
6:00 p Community Table✔️
MALL:
SANTA is often asked if adults come to sit on my knee. Here are a few examples from the last few days.
WEATHER
HEALTH: Heart Rate 72 bpm, BP 119/70, Oxy 97%, Sleep 10:15 PM to 07:37 AM, 09h15m Total, REM 01h05m, Deep 02h31m, Light 05h39m, Awake 00h07m, 94% of goal, 1.0 Events per hour, Weight 274.6, 2781 Steps, . 1.3 miles
COMMUNITY TABLE : Though it didn't really go as intended, it went smoothly. The purported purpose was to invite people who were not part of the church to come and have a meal with us. The reality was we were all church members.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 09 Tuesday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH Ella and I were at coffee with our friends this morning, Linda, Dianna, Michelle, Jo, Joan, and Suzie. Suzie's granddaughter made some cookies for us.
AGENDA TUE December 9
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
11:00 a Santa at Lakeline 11-3✔️
5:00 p 5 Crowns✔️
MALL: Another 5 hour day that drug on because it was so slow. I think they only sold four or five photo packages. That's an indication of how few people were in the mall today.
WEATHER
GAMES: 7 people arrived for Five Crowns this evening. After 2 hours four or five of us left. Some were going to a movie and I was just tired of the game but then.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 73 bpm, BP 109/76, Oxy 98%, Sleep 10:04 PM to 07:35 AM, 07h45m Total, REM 00h23m, Deep 03h06m, Light 04h16m, Awake 00h46m, 94% of goal, 1.7 Events per hour, Weight 275.4, 2668 Steps, . 1.24 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 08 Monday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH Grace, Muriel, Dianna, Michelle, Jo, about, Joan, Dixie, Val, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning until I left for the mall.
AGENDA MON December 8
Love your spouse✔️
INR Check (Home)✔️
10:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
11:00 a Santa at Lakeline 11-3✔️
5:00 p Canasta❌
SANTA’S SCHEDULE:
Today 11:00 AM–3:00 PM [4.00]
Tue 9 11:00 AM–3:00 PM [4.00]
Wed 10 11:00 AM–3:00 PM [4.00]
Thu 11 11:00 AM–3:00 PM [4.00]
Fri 12 11:00 AM–3:00 PM [4.00]
Sat 13 12:00 PM-4:00 PM Electric Shuffle
Sun 14 10:00 AM-3:00 PM [5:00] Home visit 4:00 PM-6:00 PM [2:00]
MALL: After working 10+ hours on Saturday and 8 hours on Sunday today's 4 hour shift was harder to do because there was very little traffic. Santa can't have a phone or device to keep himself entertained like the photographers do. I sit and wave at everyone, talk to anyone that I can. And I sing Christmas songs without any music.
WEATHER
LUNCH/SUPPER: I stopped at Golden Chick for Southern fried catfish, chicken tenders, fried okra, and dirty rice for our lupper.
GAMES: tonight canasta was on the schedule for five o'clock. Ella and I took the cards, shuffle, and scorekeeping equipment to the community room. However by 5:16 no one else showed up so I left. Ella stayed until 5:30. Once she was home we played 5 Crowns. She won
HEALTH: Heart Rate 72 bpm, BP 119/74, Oxy 97%, Sleep 11:39 PM to 07:29 AM, 07h46m Total, REM 00h31m, Deep 03h36m, Light 03h39m, Awake 00h04m, 97% of goal, 1.3 Events per hour, Weight 273.8, 2176 Steps, 1.1 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 07 Sunday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life Photo
MALL: Extremely busy day. We started earlier than the official start time of 10:30 and were without a stop until 3. At 4 we were back at it again with no let up until after the 6 o'clock closing time. That's the way I prefer it to be.
AGENDA: SUN December 7
Love your spouse✔️
10:30 a CARING SAΝΤΑ✔️
10:30 a Santa at Lakeline 10:30-6✔️
ELLA attended church on line and did several loads of laundry, wash, dry, fold, and put away (other than mine which I put away after returning home.)
WEATHER:
HEALTH: Heart Rate 69 bpm, BP 109/77, Oxy 98%, Sleep 11:02 PM to 07:27 AM, 08h10m Total, REM 00h42m, Deep 03h01m, Light 04h27m, Awake 00h15m, 100% of goal, 1.7 Events per hour, Weight 274.4, 1866 Steps, .86 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 06 Saturday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Neither one of us went to coffee this morning. I didn't because I went to work and Ella because she went back to sleep
AGENDA: SAT December 6
Love your spouse✔️
8-10 a Wal-Mart delivery✔️
10:00 a Coffee at the Hills❌
10:00 a Santa at Lakeline 10-8✔️
WEATHER:
MALL: 10+ hours today. Thankfully it was mostly busy. I did have a stretch of inactivity around 5 o'clock. I caught myself slipping into drowsy mode. I got up from the chair and walked around. Then I took out the Christmas songbook and began singing.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 78 bpm, BP 109/70, Oxy 95%, Sleep 10:20 PM to 07:11 AM, 08h41m Total, REM 00h43m, Deep 03h16m, Light 04h52m, Awake 00h00m, 100% of goal, 2.8 Events per hour, Weight 274.6, 1759 Steps, .81 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
: 10+ hours today. Thankfully it was mostly busy. I did have a stretch of inactivity around 5 o'clock. I caught myself slipping into drowsy mode. I got up from the chair and walked around. Then I took out the Christmas songbook and began singing.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 78 bpm, BP 109/70, Oxy 95%, Sleep 10:20 PM to 07:11 AM, 08h41m Total, REM 00h43m, Deep 03h16m, Light 04h52m, Awake 00h00m, 100% of goal, 2.8 Events per hour, Weight 274.6, 1759 Steps, .81 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 05 Friday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Andrea, Muriel, Dianna, Michelle, Jo, Joan, Suzie, Val, Ella and I were at coffee this morning.
MALL: Today is the 19th day of my Santa season. That makes it midway because I have 19 days left also. Stephanie and I had four visits and two photos in the first half an hour. Santa Terry was called away to San Marcos. Santa Ed came over from one of the other malls. And he covered the afternoon shift today. Tomorrow I work 10 hours covering both shifts. On Sunday I will be working 8 hours covering both shifts.
There was a special needs man named Daniel who was watching from outside the set. I went out to talk to him and his caregiver. He was very happy to be able to say Merry Christmas to Santa Claus. Shortly after 1:00 a large family came for photos. Grandma was deaf and a lot of the family knew sign language. I was at least able to sign Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to them.
TIRES: My two front tires had excessive wear down to the nylon cording. They are the same age as the rear two tires which have very little obvious wear. Today after work I had the tires replaced. At the end of the season when I have both time and money the car needs to go in for repair to keep the new tires from being destroyed also
AGENDA: FRI December 5
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
11:00 a Santa at Lakeline 11-3✔️
3:45 p DISCOUNT TIRE✔️
6:00 p Life Christmas Dinner✔️
DINNER: The Life Church brought a Christmas dinner to the apartments tonight. I went down to the community room intending to participate. However, I was soon overcome by someone's (or a combination of) perfume(s). My eyes were watering, my nose running, sneezing and a headache coming on. I had to leave before it became a full blown migraine. And before the meal was served. Four precious children came delivering a plate of food for Santa.
WEATHER:
HEALTH: Heart Rate 63 bpm, BP 119/70, Oxy 95%, Sleep 10:20 PM to 07:11 AM, 08h41m Total, REM 00h43m, Deep 03h16m, Light 04h52m, Awake 00h00m, 100% of goal, 2.8 Events per hour, Weight 274.6, 2838 Steps, 1.37 miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 04 Thursday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life Photo
BREAKFAST: Starting our day with a hearty breakfast is essential, and what better way to kickstart our mornings than with a delicious sausage patty, toast, and scrambled eggs. However, the age-old debate of whether to use water, milk, or cream in the scrambled eggs still lingers. Some prefer the light and fluffy texture of water in their eggs, while others opt for a creamy and rich taste with milk or cream. It all depends on personal preference. Personally, I prefer my scrambled eggs to be airy and glistening, so I stick to using water. The addition of water helps in steaming the eggs, leaving more air pockets and resulting in a lighter texture. But if you prefer your scrambled eggs to be creamy and decadent, then milk or cream is the way to go. Whichever option you choose, a perfectly made toast and sausage patty paired with scrambled eggs is sure to make for a delicious and satisfying start to your day.
COFFEE KLATSCH: Dianna, Jo, Grace, Joan, Sandy, Suzie, Val, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning before I left for the mall.
AGENDA: THU December 4
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
11:00 a Santa at Lakeline 12-3✔️
6:00 p Bingo✔️
MALL: I was suited up and ready to go before 10:30. We had no visitors and no sales before 12:30. Between 12:30 and 1:00 I had three sets of visits with Santa and one purchased a package. The rest of the day was extremely slow with only a handful of Santa visits and a couple of sales.
WEATHER: It rained intermittently throughout the day.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 71 bpm, BP 119/75, Oxy 99%, Sleep 10:44 PM to 07:21 AM, 08h26m Total, REM 00h41m, Deep 02h50m, Light 04h55m, Awake 00h11m, 100% of goal, 1.9 Events per hour, Weight 275.0, 2698 Steps,
© Thomas E Williams
2025 December 03 Wednesday in Leander and Cedar Park
PROOF OF LIFE PHOTO:
COFFEE KLATSCH Today Ella and I had coffee with Dianna, Michelle, Jo, Joan, Suzie, and Val.
AGENDA: WED December 3
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
11:00 a Santa at Lakeline 11-3✔️
WEATHER:
HEALTH: Heart Rate 67 bpm, BP 109/70, Oxy 97%, Sleep 10:09 PM to 07:22 AM, 09h05m Total, REM 00h44m, Deep 03h26m, Light 04h55m, Awake 00h08m, 100% of goal, 1.9 Events per hour, Weight 276.2, ---- Steps,
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 02 Tuesday in Leander
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Ella and I gathered together for coffee with Dianna, Jo, Joan, Suzie, Michelle, and Muriel. Grace came through but didn't stay long.
AGENDA: TUE December 02
Love your spouse✔️
8:30 a Biscuits And Gravy❌
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
No. Santa Tom at Mall✔️
5:00 p 5 Crowns✔️
WEATHER: This should be our last night of temps in the thirties for the foreseeable future
OIL CHANGE: In addition to the oil change, they pointed out how badly worn the front tires were. We drove from Jiffy Lube directly to Discount Tire. There wasn't enough in the bank to purchase and install tires today. So I made an appointment for Friday after I leave the mall. And then … well I guess I'll need to take the car to a mechanic and find out why those tires went bad.
SHOTS: Ella got a covid shot and I received a flu and a covid shot at Walmart today. We went to Walgreens first. A big sign out front. “Free Flu Shots. Walk-ins welcome“. Once inside we were told to scan a QR code to make an appointment. We left and walked into Walmart and got the shots. Do you remember when Walgreens had good customer service? No? Me neither.
GAMES: Five of us played 5 Crowns tonight. I don't know for sure who won (it wasn't me) but we had a good time.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 65 bpm, BP 109/70, Oxy 99%, Sleep 10:52 PM to 07:40 AM, 08h22m Total, REM 00h41m, Deep 02h48m, Light 04h53m, Awake 00h26m, 100% of goal, 1.9 Events per hour, Weight 276.4, 2874 Steps, 1.34 Miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 December 01 Monday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Joan, Muriel, Dianna, Michelle, Jo, Grace, Suzie, Val, Ella and and I were at coffee today. With my schedule at the mall 2-7 today I was able to be there for coffee. For some reason the main discussion today was the lack of teaching and learning in American schools as compared to European and Asian schools. By
BREAKFAST: pancakes and eggs for breakfast
AGENDA: MON December 01 to
Love your spouse✔️
2:00 p Santa at Lakeline 2-7✔️
GAME:
WEATHER: It was 38° at 8:00am with a light mist in the air. Brrrr!
MALL: These are my family photo shoot with Ella, Linnea, and Rob
GAMES: Ella and Ann played Canasta this evening. Others were playing Scategories.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 65 bpm, BP 109/70, Oxy 99%, Sleep 10:52 PM to 07:40 AM, 08h22m Total, REM 00h41m, Deep 02h48m, Light 04h53m, Awake 00h26m, 100% of goal, 2.3 Events per hour, Weight 276.4, INR 2.9, 2714 Steps, 1.36 Miles
©2025 Thomas E Williams
