2025 October 31 Friday Halloween in Leander
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Cheryl, Jo, Diana, Avis, Michelle, Grace, Susie, Maria, Sandy, Donna, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning. Someone brought a strawberry strudel it was delicious.
AGENDA: FRI October 31 Halloween
Ella released from pt✔️
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
10:00 a Tom Cherry Hill orientation✔️
2:00 p Hamilton insurance here✔️
6:00 p Happy Hour Costume Party✔️
PT: Today Ella had what I guess could be called “an exit interview” with her physical trainer supervisor. She is encouraged to continue with the exercises she's been doing. However, she will no longer be monitored or examined. She had graduated.
WEATHER:
NEWS: 1. President Trump announced that the United States will start doing nuclear weapons tests again to stay competitive with other countries like China. He wants to make sure the US arsenal is up to date and strong enough to match its rivals. This testing will begin right away.
2. President Trump and President Xi are meeting to improve their countries' relationship after a period of trade tensions. Trump has used tariffs against China, and China has limited exports in response. Both countries want to avoid hurting the global economy. On his way to South Korea, Trump mentioned potentially reducing tariffs on China in exchange for their help in dealing with fentanyl. Overall, both leaders are working towards a positive relationship.
3. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, is heading towards Jamaica and is expected to cause catastrophic flooding and damage. It will be the strongest hurricane to hit the island since record-keeping began. The storm has already caused seven deaths in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday before moving on to Cuba and the Bahamas. The United States is not expected to be affected. In preparation for the storm, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has been praying for his country. Residents like Hanna Mcleod are boarding up their homes and stocking up on supplies like canned food and flashlights.
4. King Charles III has removed Prince Andrew's titles and privileges, and is kicking him out of Buckingham Palace. Prince Andrew will now live on the family's estate in Norfolk due to his questionable relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of misconduct.
TRAINING: Tom completed his two hour plus mandatory orientation training today. It was conducted live online with 53 participants. This somewhere around the twelfth year of completing the training. It is required every year before donning the Cherry Hill Santa suit at the mall. Every year I must pass a background check, sexual harassment training, and the company orientation. Being a Mall Santa is serious business.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 65 bpm, BP 119/75, Oxy 99%, Sleep 11:56 PM to 06:54 AM, 06h 03m Total, REM 00h 16m, Deep 01h 55m, Light 03h 52m, Awake 00h 55m, 75% of Goal, 2.0 Events/hr, steps.
MEDICARE: Our insurance man came to visit with us about the upcoming changes in Medicare and what it means to us as far as coverage and copay.
HAPPY HOUR:
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 30 Thursday in Leander and Liberty Hill
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Ella, Maria, Andrea, Dianna, Joan, Suzie, Michelle, Muriel, and I were at coffee this morning.
AGENDA:
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
11:00 a COSTUME PARTY Over The Hill Gang✔️
1:30 p Pumpkin painting & costume❌
OTHG: There were 49 people at Over The Hill Gang for a lunch of baked potatoes with all the fixins, sides, and desserts. Most people were in some sort of costume. They ranged from fairly elaborate commercial costumes to T-shirts that said “This Is My Costume”. Plenty of photos were taken … but none by me. I'll try to get copies later. You can see Ella's and my outfits in the proof of life photo above.
My big news for the day is, I've got a definitive start date and my work schedule and hours. I don't know who the local manager or set manager is at this point.
WEATHER:
HEALTH: Heart Rate 64 bpm, BP 109/76, Oxy 97%, Sleep 12:09 AM to 08:18 AM, 08h 00m Total, REM 00h 15m, Deep 03h 45m, Light 04h 00m, Awake 00h 09m, 100% of Goal, 2.0 Events/hr, 1876 steps.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 29 Wednesday in Leander and Liberty Hill
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Suzie, Maureen, Andrea. Jo, Dianna, Joan, Grace, Michelle, Ella, Muriel, and I were at coffee this morning.
AGENDA: WED October 29
Love your spouse
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills
10:00 a Canasta
Only 9 days until Santa season at Lakeline Mall. Santa will be there beginning November 7th. Come sit with Santa and tell him your Christmas wishes.
CANASTA at OTHG: Anne, Nathern, Ella and I played cards today. This would have been Sandy's last day with us before she moves. However, she was too busy with preparations for the move to be able to join us. Oh, yeah, Ella and I beat Anne and, bathroom.
LUNCH: We had our noon meal at Over The Hill. Charlie used leftover sloppy joes fixings to make a toasted cheese and meat sandwiches plus a lettuce and carrots salad. There was also ice cream.
NEWS: 1. Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica with extremely strong winds, causing power outages and road closures. The storm rapidly intensified because of warm ocean waters, becoming one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit Jamaica in history. Melissa is now moving towards Cuba and the Bahamas.
2. The Texas Attorney General is suing Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue for allegedly not properly warning about potential risks of using Tylenol during pregnancy. They claim the companies broke the law by saying Tylenol is safe for pregnant women without mentioning possible connections to neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite some studies suggesting a link between acetaminophen (found in Tylenol) and conditions like autism and ADHD, leading medical groups say there isn't enough evidence to prove this.
3. In a recent study, the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration reported detecting two gravitational wave events with unique black hole spins. Gravitational waves are ripples in space-time caused by powerful events like black hole collisions.
The first event, GW241011, happened about 700 million light-years away and involved two black holes, one 20 times the mass of the Sun and the other six times. The bigger black hole in this event was spinning very fast.
The second event, GW241110, occurred 2.4 billion light-years away and included black holes 17 and eight times the mass of the Sun. The primary black hole in this event was spinning in the opposite direction of its orbit, a first of its kind observation.
LIGO's detectors were able to make precise measurements of these events due to recent improvements, allowing for deeper understanding. These events are interesting because the black holes involved were significantly different in mass and had unique spins, suggesting they may have formed from previous black hole mergers.
WEATHER:
GAMES: We played 6 games of Fast Track. I think we each won 3 games.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 67 bpm, BP 115/76, Oxy 99%, Sleep 10:53 PM to 08:09 AM, 09h 10m Total, REM 01h 37m, Deep 03h 20m, Light 04h 13m, Awake 00h 06m, 100% of Goal, 1.2 Events/hr, 2697 steps.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 28 Tuesday in Leander
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Today at coffee were Dianna, Joan, Avis, Michelle, Donna and Ella, and I. Ella baked cinnamon biscuits to bring to our gathering.
AGENDA: TUE October 28
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
5:00 p 5 Crowns✔️
5:00 p Mexican Train❌
Only 10 days until Santa season at Lakeline Mall. Come sit with Santa beginning November 7th.
WEATHER:
FIVE CROWNS: Lucille, Ella, Fran, Ann, and I played cards this evening. I won. Yay!
HEALTH: Heart Rate 67 bpm, BP ---/--, Oxy 97%, Sleep 12:43 AM to 07:39 AM, 06h 56m Total, REM 00h 20m, Deep 03h 14m, Light 03h 22m, Awake 00h 00m, 86% of Goal, 1.0 Events/hr, 1249 steps.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 27 Monday in Leander
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Jo, Joan, Suzie, Michelle, Avis Carrol, Muriel and Ella, and I were at coffee this morning.
AGENDA: MON October 27
Mary M’s birthday✔️
Love your spouse✔️
INR Check (Home) 2.4✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
5:00 p Canasta✔️
BREAKFAST: I made bacon, egg, and toast for our breakfast.
11 days until Santa season at Lakeline Mall.
LUNCH: I made corn bread with creamed corn. I boiled some bacon in chicken stock until it was soft. I then added one can of pinto beans and one can of refried beans with jalapenos.
WEATHER:
GAMES: Ella and I played several rounds of Fast Track and Ella won them all.
CANASTA: Ella and I played partners against Ann and Barbara. We beat them by a narrow margin. I like close games like that.
NEWS: 1. French police recently made arrests in connection to a heist at the Louvre in which $100M worth of jewels were stolen. The thieves used a furniture lift and power tools to break in through a first-floor window in broad daylight and made off with artifacts including pieces of the French crown jewels. Only a small percentage of stolen jewelry is usually recovered, as it is often melted down or sold discreetly at a high price. For example, a stolen crown may be taken apart and its jewels sold separately to avoid detection.
2. Donald Trump is currently on a trip to Asia. During the trip, he has brokered peace deals and secured trade agreements with several countries. For example, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam have agreed to buy US-made planes and invest in US agriculture and energy sectors. Additionally, Malaysia and Thailand will provide the US with access to critical minerals. Trump will also meet with China's leader Xi Jinping to discuss trade agreements and avoid tariffs.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 67 bpm, BP ---/--, Oxy 98%, Sleep 10:57 PM to 07:47 AM, 08h 09m Total, REM 00h 38m, Deep 03h 15m, Light 04h 16m, Awake 00h 41m, 100% of Goal, 1.5 Events/hr, Weight 278 lbs, 1008 Steps. INR 2.4
VERSE: Galatians 6:2, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ,"
COMMENT: Here, Paul urges believers to fulfill the law of Christ by carrying each other's burdens. This emphasizes the importance of community and interconnectedness among believers. We are called to sacrificially serve others and bear each other's burdens, just as He did for us. In doing so, we not only fulfill the law of love that Christ taught, but also demonstrate our faith and obedience to Him.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 26 Sunday in Leander and Liberty Hill
SUNDAY SCHOOL: We finished “Welcome to Dinner, Church” today.
WORSHIP: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17MnXj3Y7F/ Many people wore costumes to Sunday school and worship today. There was a chilli cookoff directly after worship. There was a bounce house. Trunk or Treat was held in the parking lot. Ella and I left before Trunk or Treat.
AGENDA:
Love your spouse✔️
10:00 a Sunday school✔️
11:00 a Worship✔️
12:00 p Fall Festival✔️
12 days until Santa season at Lakeline Mall.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 69 bpm, BP 109/78, Oxy 95%, Sleep 11:24 PM to 07:56 AM, 07h 01m Total, REM --h --m, Deep 03h 08m, Light 03h 53m, Awake 01h 31m, 87% of Goal, 2.1 Events/hr,
Weight 278 lbs, 1360 Steps.
GAMES: We played give it six games of Fast Track today.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 25 Saturday in Leander
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Michelle, Diana, Joan, Angel, Rose, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning.
AGENDA:
Leigha W's birthday✔️
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
WEATHER:
Special Weather Statement - ...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of northwestern Williamson, northeastern Llano and Burnet Counties through 630 PM CDT...At 543 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Briggs to near Sunnylane to Lone Grove. Movement was east at 20 mph.
HAZARD... Winds in excess of 40 mph and nickel size hail.
It appears that we received around an inch and a half of rain overnight.
LUNCH: I made a quiche for lunch. It contained carrots, celery, broccoli, pork chops, bread, milk, cheese, and egg that was baked in a flour tortilla.
NEWS: 1. Japan elected conservative Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister after a coalition deal. She supports conservative policies and plans to strengthen national security, semiconductor production, and energy self-sufficiency. Despite concerns about gender equality, she is expected to focus on regional defense and trade in cooperation with the US.
2. The White House is getting a new $250 million ballroom that will be 90,000 square feet in size. President Trump is overseeing the project and has asked staff not to take photos of the demolition work. The ballroom will seat up to 900 people and will be funded by donations, including from big companies like Apple and Amazon. It will have fancy decorations like columns, chandeliers, and a marble floor. Trump hopes to finish the project before his term ends. This is possible because as president, he has the power to make changes to the White House.
3. Dust from the far side of the Moon has revealed a rare type of meteorite known as CI chondrites. These meteorites are very soft and contain a high amount of water. They are so fragile that they usually do not survive entry into Earth's atmosphere.
Despite their fragility, scientists discovered these rare meteorite fragments on the Moon's surface, providing valuable insights into the type of material that makes up our solar system.
4. The Louvre in Paris was robbed of $100 million worth of jewels and the museum's director was called to answer questions from lawmakers. The prosecutor stated that the gems are worth $102 million and emphasized the historical significance of the theft. Police are investigating the heist and have identified four main suspects. It is hoped that the stolen jewels will not be destroyed.
5. General Motors is introducing new software features in its vehicles, including a Google AI assistant and a driver-assistance system that can control the car without human input. The AI assistant, called Google Gemini, will be available in cars next year, while the new driver-assistance system will launch in 2028. These initiatives aim to make cars more intelligent and assistive. GM is also working on a new computing platform and increasing the use of collaborative robots to work with humans. In addition, they are expanding their GM Energy business. This is all part of their efforts to transform cars into smart helpers.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 70 bpm, BP 109/70, Oxy 99%, Sleep 11:57 PM to 07:34 AM, 06h 52m Total, REM 00h 10m, Deep 02h 11m, Light 04h 31m, Awake 00h 45m, 85% of Goal, 2.9 Events/hr, 0000 steps. Weight High 278 lbs, 1701 Steps.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 24 Friday in Leander
Proof of Life Photo
LAUNDRY: We started a load of bedding and white clothes before going to coffee. After returning from coffee we took the washing to the third floor laundry and dried it.
COFFEE KLATSCH: myself, Muriel, Dianna, Joan, Suzie, Michelle, Grace, and Ella were at coffee this morning. Dianna brought some cake left over from yesterday's Over The Hill Gang lunch.
AGENDA:
Karla W's birthday✔️
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
2:00 p Santa orientation online✔️
6:00 p Happy Hour✔️
Only 14 days until Santa season at Lakeline Mall
WEATHER:
TRAINING: I worked my first day as a Santa today. Well, that's not quite accurate. This was the first day for which I'll be paid this season. It was an hour and a half online training season.
HAPPY HOUR: The buffet started at six. Less than a dozen came to the potluck tonight. I cooked some pork chops to take tonight. They seemed to go over well. Suzie made some small pizzas from English Muffin halves.
People who were there included Carol, Larry, Val, Suzie, Rose, Dianna, Maureen, Dana, Cheryl, Brenda, and me. I was home by seven-thirty. Ella stayed later.
DISHES: I emptied the dishwasher after I returned from Happy Hour. There were enough dirty fishes to refill the machine and start it again
HEALTH: Heart Rate 75 bpm, BP 109/72, Oxy 99%, Sleep 11:14 PM to 08:20 AM, 07h 21m Total, REM 00h 34m, Deep 02h28m, Light 04h 19m, Awake 01h 45m, 91% of Goal, 3.4 Events/hr, 0000 steps.
Weight High 278 lbs, 2375 Steps.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 23 Thursday in Leander, Cedar Park, and Liberty Hill
Proof of Life Photo:
COFFEE KLATSCH: Myself, Ella, Dianna, Suzie, Michelle, and Cheryl were at coffee this morning. Sandy, Joan, and Grace were also there at different times for a short while.
AGENDA: October 23
Jenny W's birthday✔️
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
11:00 a Over The Hill Gang✔️
3:00 p Ella to Dr Saamir Hassan✔️
15 days until Santa season. Santa at Lakeline Mall beginning November 7th.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 71 bpm, BP 119/70, Oxy 99%, Sleep 10:09 PM to 08:19 AM, 09h 19m Total, REM 00h 40m, Deep 03h00m, Light 05h 39m, Awake 00h 51m, 100% of Goal, 3.4 Events/hr, 0000 steps.
Weight High 278 lbs, Steps.
WEATHER:
GAMES: Tonight Ella and I took our Fast Track game to the community room and played with Linda and Ann. Fun was had by all.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 22 Wednesday in Leander and Liberty Hill
Proof of Life Photo
AGENDA: WED October 22
Love your spouse✔️
10:00 a Canasta✔️
1:00 p Townhall✔️
4:00 p Ella's Physical therapy❌
16 days until Santa season
CARDS: There were five of us for canasta at Over The Hill today. Anne, Sandy, Ella, Nathern, and I played cards until about quarter after twelve when Sandy had to leave. Shortly thereafter the meal that Charlie prepared was ready. We declared Nathan the winner and stopped for lunch.
WEATHER:
As you can see we never got close to the predicted eighty-two degrees.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 70 bpm, BP 119/78, Oxy 96%, Sleep 11:10 PM to 08:50 AM, 09h 40m Total, REM 00h 00m, Deep 04h45m, Light 04h 55m, Awake 00h 00m, 100% of Goal, 1.4 Events/hr, 0000 steps. Weight High 279 lbs, 2215 Steps.
LAUNDRY: I put a load of white clothes in to wash before leaving for Liberty Hill. Once home I took theI'm washed clothes to the third floor to dry them. Once dry I brought them home and Ella folded them.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 21 Tuesday in Leander
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Ella, Suzie, Ricky, Donna, Dianna, myself, and later Joan were at coffee this morning.
AGENDA:
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
1:30 p FOOD PANTRY +55✔️
5:00 p 5 Crowns✔️
WEATHER:
FOOD PANTRY: Today we went to the good pantry at Leander Church of Christ and came away with food for our own pantry and some to donate to the apartments in-house food pantry.
CARDS: Lucille, Cindy, Ella, Sandy, farm, Ann, and I played Five Crowns this evening. I won.
17 days until Santa season at Lakeline Mall.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 20 Monday in Leander
Only 18 days until Santa season
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Andrea, Muriel, Dianna, about, Suzie, Michelle, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning. Becky, a new resident, stopped by with her dog Angel. Conversations were carried from Grand babies to jury duty.
AGENDA: MON October 20
Love your spouse✔️
INR Check (Home)✔️ 1.7
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
1:15 p HCCM✔️
2:30 p Zoom Santa's meetings✔️
5:00 p Canasta✔️
WEATHER:
GROCERIES: Today was our monthly food order. We received a lot of frozen meat. We had very little room for it in the freezer. 5 packages of meat went into the freezer in the community kitchen/food pantry. There was surprisingly little actual canned goods this time. We received some 2% milk with cream on top. I found it amusing that they removed enough milk fat to make it 2% and then added cream (milk fat) to the top of the bottle.
SANTA MEETING: One of the new benefits rolled out today for the Cherry Hill Santa's is a health and fitness program DDP Yoga. Participants were told to dress as Santa for the zoom meeting. This is how I was dressed.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 68 bpm, BP 109/78, Oxy 95%, Sleep 11:17 PM to 08:11 AM, 08h 35m Total, REM 00h 42m, Deep 03h18m, Light 04h 35m, Awake 00h 00m, 100% of Goal, 1.3 Events/hr, 0000 steps.
Weight High 278 lbs, INR 1.8, 2222 Steps.
PARTY: We are having a Halloween Party at the Hills of Leander on Halloween. I already have my costume ready 9
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 19 Sunday in Leander and Liberty Hill
Proof of Life Photo
BREAKFAST: sausage, egg, and toast to start our day
WEATHER:
SUNDAY SCHOOL: There were close to twenty folks in today's adult Sunday school.
WORSHIP: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/179XijeHm5/
LUNCH: For the second week in a row lentils were mentioned during the sermon. I can take a hint. I came home and cooked a sausage and lentil stew.
BOOTS: When I was looking for boots I wanted all black ones. I couldn't find any in my size and price range. I found these boots with blue and pink stitching. Today I used liquid black shoe polish to blacken the stitching. Tada! Black cowboy boots.
FAST TRACK: This evening Ella asked if I wanted to play Fast Track. I did. We did. Several games. We both won a few times. I don't know if one of us won't more times or not - not do I care. Although I always play to win - it's the playing that I enjoy more than the winning.
HEALTH: Today I not only included information from my smart watch and CPAP machine, but my bathroom scale had a lot to say about my health also. Heart Rate 72 bpm, BP 119/78, Oxy 96%, Sleep 11:17 PM to 08:11 AM, 07h 58m Total, REM 00h 32m, Deep 02h 42m, Light 04h 44m, Awake 00h 56m, 99% of Goal, 1.3 Events/hr, 1635 steps.
Weight High 278.4 lb, BMI High 36.7, Body Fat Obese 113.8 lb, 40.9 %, Skeletal Muscle Low 105.6 lb, 37.9%, Fat-Free Mass 164.6 lb, Subcutaneous Fat High 35.3%, Visceral Fat High 19, Body Water Low 118.8 lb, 42.7 %, Muscle Mass High 156.2 lb, 56.1%, Bone Mass Average 8.4 lb, 3.0%, Protein Low 37.6 lb, 13.5%, BMR Low 2006 kcal, Metabolic Age High 84.
:
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 18 Saturday in Leander
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: The scent of freshly brewed coffee hung heavy and inviting in the air, a familiar signal that the Coffee Klatsch was in full swing. When Tom arrived this morning, the usual crowd had gathered around the three cafe tables aligned together.
Suzie was there, already deep in conversation with Avis who had Cookie the dog on her lap, their voices a cheerful murmur. Also at the table was Dianna, Rose and her husband Larry. This couple had brought cinnamon rolls and pumpkin pie to share.
Tom sat a little to the side, enjoying his coffee and the friendly chatter without feeling the need to contribute. Andrea arrived and said a quiet hello.
The atmosphere was far from solemn. Ella made her entrance, her eyes sparkling. Finally, Sandy joined the circle, sliding her electric wheelchair to the table.
The conversation flowed freely again, covering everything from neighborhood gossip to the weather, fueled by caffeine, sugar, and the comforting ritual of their shared morning. Grace and her friendly little dog Ziva stopped for a moment so that Ziva could receive pets from everyone. They didn't stay long as Grace was taking Ziva for a walk. Since Grace is in a motorized wheelchair is it still considered a walk?
It was a perfect, slightly chaotic, and wonderfully familiar morning at the klatsch.
AGENDA: SAT October 18
Love your house✔️
9:00 a Coffee✔️
Laundry✔️
WEATHER:
LAUNDRY: After returning from coffee I started a load of dark clothes in our washing machine. Because our dryer no longer functions, the damp clothes were taken to the laundry on the apartment's third floor. There they were dried in the machine. I loaded and unloaded the dryer since it was over Ella's head. She folded the clothes once the were done.
GAMES: We played a full round of Five Crowns this evening. Ella beat me by seventy dinner points.
NEWS: 1. Tensions are rising between the US and Venezuela as President Trump ordered another attack on a drug-carrying boat near Venezuela. This is the sixth attack in recent months and the only one with survivors who are now in US custody. It is unclear how the survivors will be treated.
The US has been increasing its military presence in the Caribbean to combat drug cartels, with President Trump authorizing CIA covert operations and considering a potential land invasion in Venezuela. In response, Venezuelan President Maduro has mobilized troops and is spreading anti-American propaganda.
Some US senators have introduced a bill to prevent military action in Venezuela without congressional approval. Additionally, a Navy admiral overseeing Latin American operations unexpectedly announced his retirement.
2. President Trump met with the Ukrainian President and urged both Kyiv and Moscow to stop their war and end the conflict. He suggested that both sides should stop fighting and let history determine the outcome. Trump also implied that Russia should keep the territory it has taken from Ukraine.
3. Prince Andrew is stopping the use of his royal titles and honors because he believes that the accusations against him are taking attention away from King Charles and the royal family. He wants to prioritize his family and country, so he will no longer use his titles or honors. This decision was made in consultation with the King and his family. Prince Andrew still denies the accusations against him.
4. Leander Mayor Christine DeLisle has announced her resignation, with her last day being Oct. 16, 2025. A special election will be held on Feb. 7, 2026, to fill her unexpired term until May 2027. DeLisle expressed pride in her accomplishments and confidence in the city's future under the leadership of the Council and staff. Mayor Pro Tem Na’Cole Thompson will temporarily take over mayoral duties until a new mayor is elected.
5. The Leander Senior Activity Center is almost complete and is expected to be finished by November 19th. The city is finishing up construction by installing fire and sprinkler systems, network cables, and pouring concrete for sidewalks and courtyards.
The facility has been in the works for almost a decade and construction began in May 2024 after delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Once completed, the center will have various rooms and spaces to serve the city's active senior community, including a multipurpose room, full kitchen, fitness room, activities room, and staff offices.
LUNCH: For lunch I placed a frozen beef steak into the instant pot to cook. I like my steak medium rare. However Ella has trouble chewing meat. So I pressure cook it to make it super tender then pan fry it to seat the outside. It was served with mashed potatoes and gravy and canned asparagus. Canned is no where add food as freshly steamed asparagus but it is more tender.
HEALTH: The morning sun, still low and hazy, painted the sky a dusty blue gray as seen through the slats in the bedroom shades. A soft chime from the bedside table signaled the daily reckoning. Ella's alarm had gone off. “Stop!” she commanded and the obedient phone silenced the alarm.
Tom smiled as he returned his own phone from the dresser on his side of the bed. This phone held information from his smartwatch but this wasn't just data; this was the day's opening chapter.
His heart, a steadfast drummer, was keeping a cool rhythm: a steady 64 beats per minute (bpm). "A nice, relaxed tempo," he murmured to himself, noting the easy pressure of his blood flowing through his vessels—119/72 mmHg. Everything felt smooth, efficient, a well-oiled machine. His lungs, too, were doing their part, the air rich and oxygenating, registering a satisfying 97% oxygen saturation (Oxy).
The Night's Journey
The real story, however, lay in the recently concluded journey into slumber. The screen detailed the adventure
* Departure: 12:00 AM
* Arrival: 07:33 AM
* Total Voyage Time: 07 hours and 33 minutes
Tom felt the pleasant weight of rest behind his eyes. The numbers explained the feeling. His sleep goal, it seemed, had been almost perfectly met, achieving 94% of his target.
The device pictured the night in four distinct acts:
* The Deep Dive (Deep Sleep): Two hours and twenty-six minutes (02h 26m) spent in the most restorative waters. This was where the body rebuilt itself, the silent, crucial work of cellular repair and muscle recovery.
* The Dreamscape (REM Sleep): An hour and thirty-nine minutes (01h 39m) of rapid eye movement. This was the stage where his mind processed the previous day, filing memories and spinning vibrant, ephemeral dreams—the brain's nightly masterpiece.
* The Drifting (Light Sleep): Three hours and twenty-eight minutes (03h 28m) of necessary rest, the gentle transition between the deeper stages and the world outside.
* The Stillness (Awake): A perfect zero: 00 hours and 00 minutes. He hadn't stirred. The night had been a seamless flow of unconscious peace.
The final detail, 2.3 events/hr, was a footnote—a measure of minor breathing variances that didn't detract from the overall quality.
The Unwritten Chapter
Tom pushed the blankets back and swung his legs to the floor, the soles of his feet meeting the warm carpet. He felt lighter, clearer. The data—the excellent circulation, the deep sleep, the restful night—was his starting map.
He knew what was missing, the number that now needed to be written into the new day's script. The line read "steps," followed by a dash. It was an empty page, waiting for the story of his movement.
With a newfound energy born of a successful night, Tom rose. "Right," he said, stretching his arms toward the ceiling. "Let's go write a high-step count today." The well-rested body was ready to move, ready to take on the world, one step at a time. I totaled 2421 steps without even leaving the buildings today.
VERSE: “Hope in the LORD! Be strong! Let your heart take courage! Hope in the LORD!” -Psalm 27:14
COMMENT: No comment or interpretation is needed for this verse. It is a simple command to place all of your trust in the LORD.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 17 Friday in Leander
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Dianna, Joan, Suzie, Michelle, Rose, Larry, Maria, Sandy, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning.
WEATHER:
NEWS: 1. John Bolton, a former national security adviser to President Trump, has been indicted on 18 counts for mishandling classified information. The charges stem from notes he allegedly wrote in an email account while working at the White House. He is accused of sharing classified information with his family.
2. China has placed new restrictions on the export of rare earths to prevent them from being used for military purposes. This is not a ban on all exports, just on those that could be used for weapons of mass destruction. President Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese imports in response. Rare earths are important for many technologies, including semiconductors, electric vehicles, and defense systems. China controls the majority of the global market for rare earths.
3. Bidding for the final encrypted message of the Kryptos sculpture was opened recently, with the expectation of selling for $300K to $500K. However, two men unexpectedly discovered the solution to the message last month, causing uncertainty about how much it will sell for at auction.
The sculptor, Jim Sanborn, had created the Kryptos sculpture in 1990 with four encrypted messages. Three of the messages were solved over the years by professional and amateur cryptographers, but the fourth had remained a mystery. Sanborn had decided to auction off the solution to cover medical expenses and support charities.
Unfortunately, the two journalists found the decrypted message by accident in the Smithsonian’s public Archives of American Art. They do not plan to share the solution publicly and declined offers of payment for their silence. Despite legal threats, they are not backing down.
Sanborn has given clues to solving the fourth puzzle and has hinted that a fifth message will be revealed once all four are decoded.
4. President Trump and President Putin had a long phone call and agreed to meet in Budapest to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Trump believes progress was made during the call and thinks the recent peace deal in Gaza could help with negotiations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Russian officials next week before Trump meets with the Ukrainian president. Trump has not ruled out providing weapons to Ukraine but has not mentioned any consequences for Russia. Trump recently got a promise from India to stop buying Russian oil.
BREAKFAST: Today I made a breakfast casserole with day-old biscuits crumbled into an egg-milk mixture. Then cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage was added. It was then topped with cheddar and mozzarella cheese and baked for twelve minutes at 350°.
LUNCH: We had a chicken patty, fried smashed potato, and a side of steamed chicken and broccoli.
AGENDA: FRI October 17
Heather P's birthday✔️
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
6:00 p Happy Hour✔️
HAPPY HOUR: twelve for the Friday night potluck this evening. I didn't stay more than half an hour. I'm not very good in large social settings where multiple people talk at once. Even with my hearing aids my comprehension is only 68%.
HEALTH: The apartment complex was already active this Friday morning when I finally stirred. I heard muffled voices from the parking spaces just outside our bedroom windows. There was the scraping of chairs across the floor of our upstairs neighbor. If I concentrated I could hear the dull thump thump thump of someone running on the treadmill in the exercise room adjacent to our apartment.
It was 8:40 AM, and the lingering drowsiness of sleep created a gentle tug from our bed.
A small, groaning sigh escaped me—I'd won the night. My sleep goal had not just been met, but had been crushed at 100%.
I stretched, feeling the deep, satisfying release in my muscles along with the cracking of my joints as they realigned. My personal health monitor, the ever-watchful sentinel on my wrist, had tallied up the night's inventory. 11:22 PM to 08:40 AM—a grand total of 8 hours and 55 minutes spent traversing the nocturnal landscape of dreams.
It had been a night of deep, restorative mental travel. My mind had built magnificent hills and valleys of rest during the 3 hours and 24 minutes of Deep Sleep, the kind that rebuilds the body cell by cell. The dream journey continued through 5 hours and 8 minutes of Light Sleep, a gentle, steady cruise through the hours. Even the fleeting, bizarre, and utterly essential dream-state of REM sleep had made its brief but powerful appearance, clocking in at 22 minutes.
Of course, the mind, like any good traveler, stops occasionally. The data noted 23 minutes of Awake time, scattered moments where a trip to the bathroom or a scrap of conversation in the hallway had roused me, but they were minor interruptions, only 1.9 events per hour.
Now, fully awake and sitting on the edge of the bed, the sensor took its final, vital snapshot of the morning. My internal rhythm was steady: a Heart Rate of 70 beats per minute, a strong, confident tempo. My circulatory pressure, the tide of life within me, was smooth and balanced at 100/70. And the final, reassuring metric, the full, rich oxygenation of my blood, stood at a near-perfect 99%.
I got to my feet. Ella followed. The day stretched bright and open before us. The monitor had confirmed it: I was starting this Friday with a well-rested mind, plenty of air in my lungs, and a steady and healthy heartbeat.
By the end of the day I had taken 2230 steps.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 16 Thursday in Leander and Liberty Hill
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Rose, Larry, Muriel, Rosey, Ella, myself, Dianna, Jo, Avis, Suzie, and Michelle were at coffee this morning. Joan arrived just as Dianna, Ella, and I were leaving for Liberty Hill. To
AGENDA: THU October 16
Love your spouse
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills
11:00 a Over The Hill Gang
OVER THE HILL GANG: There were in the neighborhood of fifty members at OTHG today. The menus included a meaty lasagna, garlic breads, and many side slides. And it wouldn't be Over The Hill without an abundance of desserts. Ella made and brought a blueberry cobbler. Afterwards games of bingo, Scrabble, 42, and Five Crowns. There were also groups z of folks visiting and sharing stories.
WEATHER:
22 days until Santa season at Lakeline Mall.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 68 bpm, BP 109/73, Oxy 99%, Sleep 12:48 AM to 07:48 AM, 07h 05m Total, REM 00h 32m, Deep 03h 00m, Light 03h 33m, Awake 00h 05m, 88% of Goal, 2.3 Events/hr, 1142 steps.
NEWS: French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is facing two no-confidence votes in Parliament due to concerns about government spending and the country's debt. If the vote is successful, it could lead to snap elections and further political chaos in France.
2. In the case of 'Louisiana v. Callais', the Supreme Court is deciding whether a Louisiana congressional map, which increased the number of majority-Black districts, violates the Voting Rights Act by considering race too much. The court is debating whether this redistricting decision is constitutional under the 14th and 15th Amendments.
3. Waymo, a self-driving startup, will start offering driverless taxis in London next year, making it the first European city with autonomous vehicles. Waymo is a leader in the US autonomous ride-hailing market and plans to expand to more cities in the future. They have a strong safety record, with their vehicles being much less likely to be in a serious accident than human drivers.
4. A federal judge in California stopped the Trump administration from laying off government employees due to the government shutdown. The American Federation of Government Employees sued to halt the layoffs, arguing they were unfair. The government argued employees could appeal their dismissals through the Merit Systems Protection Board instead of in court.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 15 Wednesday in Leander and Liberty Hill
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Dianna, Suzie, Michelle, Muriel, Linda, Donna, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning. Jo arrived just as Ella and I were leaving for Liberty Hill.
CANASTA: Today, the faithful five - Sandy, Anne, Ella, Nathern, and I - gathered at OTHG for our weekly card game. Unfortunately, our busy schedules only allowed us to play two rounds before Nathan had to leave at noon. However, we were pleasantly surprised when our friend Charlie prepared a delicious lunch of baked potatoes with all the fixings, including leftover marinara sauce with meatballs. To top it off, there was also ice cream for dessert. The four remaining players and six others from the Bible study group who joined us for lunch were all grateful for Charlie's tasty meal. Despite the short game day, it was a memorable time filled with good company and good food.
AGENDA: WED October 15
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
10:00 a Canasta✔️
1:00 p Making Room for Jesus❌
4:00 p Ella's Physical therapy✔️
23 days until Santa season at Lakeline Mall.
NEWS:
1. The US military attacked a boat in the Caribbean Sea believed to be smuggling drugs near Venezuela. This is the fifth time they have targeted suspected drug smugglers in the area. The operation resulted in at least six deaths. President Trump confirmed the attack happened in international waters based on US intelligence. The Trump administration considers these strikes part of a conflict involving terrorist groups like Venezuela's Tren de Aragua. There have been a total of 27 deaths from these attacks since last month. Senate Democrats tried to pass a resolution to limit these military actions, but it was not successful.
2. The military in Madagascar took over as President Rajoelina was impeached and fled the country. They will appoint a new prime minister to lead a civilian government. This ended Rajoelina's seven-year rule after he tried to dissolve parliament. The move came after protests by Gen Z over issues like power cuts and unemployment. Rajoelina had been accused of mishandling the situation. The military takeover raises concerns about the country's constitution. Madagascar has a history of military-led coups since gaining independence from France in 1960. 3. Netflix has partnered with Spotify to bring video podcasts to their platform. Titles like The Bill Simmons Podcast and The Zach Lowe Show will be available in early 2026. This move is in response to the growing popularity of video podcasts, with YouTube being a key competitor. This partnership will expand the content available on Netflix and attract more viewers to the platform.
4. Walmart is teaming up with OpenAI to use ChatGPT, an AI tool, to help shoppers make purchases more easily. With ChatGPT's "Instant Checkout" feature, users can talk to a bot to find and buy items from Walmart without leaving the app. For example, customers can ask for a recommendation on the best laptop under $500 and proceed to buy it right within the chat. This partnership allows shoppers to plan meals, buy essentials, and discover new products all by chatting with the AI.
WEATHER:
HEALTH: Heart Rate 78 bpm, BP 119/73, Oxy 99%, Sleep 11:54 PM to 08:11 AM, 08h 12m Total, REM 00h 48m, Deep 02h 11m, Light 05h 13m, Awake 00h 05m, 100% of Goal, 2.3 Events/hr, 1540 steps.
MY HEALTH IN STORY FORM: The digital glow of my wrist-worn tracker offered its morning report to me. It was a tale of quiet success, beginning with the night's deep rest.
The tracker proudly announced a remarkable sleep session, running from 11:54 PM until 8:11 AM. I had achieved 100% of my sleep goal, clocking in 8 hours and 12 minutes of total slumber. The night was a tapestry of restorative stages: a solid 2 hours and 11 minutes of Deep sleep—the body's physical repair period—and 48 minutes of essential REM sleep for mental recharging. The longest phase, 5 hours and 13 minutes, was spent in Light sleep, and thankfully, only 5 minutes were registered as Awake time. The peace was further confirmed by a low disturbance rate of 2.3 Events per hour.
With the new day underway, my vital signs were equally reassuring. The heart was a steady drummer, beating at 78 beats per minute (bpm). Blood pressure was in the sweet spot at 119/73, a picture of calm cardiovascular health. The breath was clean and effective, with oxygen saturation holding strong at 99%.
The day ended with a total of 1,540 steps logged.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 14 Tuesday in Leander and Cedar Park
Proof of Life Photo
DOCTOR: Ella had an appointment with her urologist for a checkup. Everything looked good but they will do a complete sample analysis for verification.
COFFEE KLATSCH: Andrea, Maria, Dianna, Jo, Avis, Sandy, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning after we returned from the doctor's.
ODD: “We stopped at nothing.” I heard several people use that term today. Of course we know that it is just a convoluted way of saying “we didn't stop”. But think about it for a minute. Why say “we stopped” when we mean that we did not stop or that nothing stopped us? It also occurred to me that “Nothing” would be a great name for a restaurant. People could say, “We stopped at Nothing for the greatest food.”
BREAKFAST: I made French toast with some large thick slices of raisin bread. We each had two eggs also.
AGENDA: TUE October 14
Love your spouse✔️
8:25 a Ella to Dr Drew✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
5:00 p 5 Crowns✔️
5:00 p Mexican Train✔️
WED October 15
Love your spouse
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills
10:00 a Canasta
1:00 p Making Room for Jesus
HEALTH: Heart Rate 67 bpm, BP 109/70, Oxy 97%, Sleep 11:36 PM to 06:57 AM, 05h 32m Total, REM 00h 27m, Deep 01h 43m, Light 03h 22m, Awake 01h 49m, 69% of Goal, 1.8 Events/hr, 1249 steps.
LUNCH consisted of crumbled hamburger, elbow macaroni, American cheese, and a little ketchup. There was also a side of peas and a dessert of pudding.
NEWS: 1. Hamas released the last Israeli hostages, and Israel released nearly 2000 Palestinians, marking the end of a ceasefire deal and the return of prisoners. This was part of a peace plan backed by the US. President Trump visited Israel and joined a summit in Egypt to discuss Gaza's future.
2. New York Attorney General Letitia James has been charged with bank fraud and making false statements related to her purchase of a home in Virginia. She is accused of renting out the home instead of using it as a secondary residence, in violation of her mortgage contract. James denies the charges and claims they are retaliation for her previous actions against President Donald Trump. The prosecutor in the case was appointed by Trump and has also indicted James Comey. Comey has pleaded not guilty to charges of lying to Congress and obstruction.
GAMES: Ella played Mexican Train with Sandy, Linda, Maureen, and one other person name unknown. I played Five Crowns with Lucille, Ann, and Fran. By the way, I won
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 13 Monday in Leander Columbus & Indigenous People Day
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: This morning, Ella and I joined our friends Jo, Muriel, Dianna, Michelle, Joan, Suzie, Jan, and others for a coffee klatsch. We gathered at our usual spot and were greeted with an array of delicious treats. There were different types of cookies, including sugar and oatmeal, as well as soft rolls and a scrumptious cinnamon coffee cake. As we sipped our coffee and nibbled on the treats, we caught up on each other's lives and shared stories, pictures of grand babies, and laughter. It was a wonderful way to start the day, surrounded by good company and tasty treats. These coffee klatsches have become a cherished tradition for us, allowing us to bond over our love for coffee and each other's company. I am grateful for these moments with my friends and look forward to tomorrow's gathering.
ADAM We were excited when our son Adam came to visit us. It was a holiday, so he had the day off from teaching school. We decided to spend the morning playing Fast Track, one of our favorite games. As we played, we caught up on each other's lives and shared stories and laughs. However, Adam couldn't stay for too long because he had some work to do before it got too hot outside. He had to mow and trim his lawn, which was a task he needed to do before the weather became unbearable. It was great to have Adam visit and spend time with us, even if it was just for a short while.
AGENDA: MON October 13
Love your spouse✔️
}One year ago Starship 5 launched & booster caught by chopsticks{
INR Check (Home)❌
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
10:00 a Adam visit✔️
5:00 p Canasta✔️
TUE October 14
Love your spouse
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills
5:00 p 5 Crowns
5:00 p Mexican Train
WED October 15
Love your spouse
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills
10:00 a Canasta
1:00 p Making Room for Jesus
25 days until Santa season at Lakeline Mall
NEWS: 1. SMILE: The European Union has started using a new border screening process where they take photos and fingerprints of non-EU travelers when they arrive. This will replace stamping passports starting April 10. Twenty-nine countries, including most Schengen Area countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, are using the new system. Passengers will use a kiosk to give their biometric information, with children under 12 exempt from fingerprinting. The data will be kept for three years and can be shared with other countries. If passengers refuse, they will be denied entry.
2. STARSHIP 11: This evening Space X launched its eleventh starship just one year since the flight of Starship Five. The ship and its super heavy buster stands four hundred and three feet tall and twenty-nine and a half foot wide. Imagine a forty story building being blasted into space. Recall that test flight five ended with the safe capture of the returning booster by the Megazilla chopsticks. This proved the viability of reuse of the booster. Though Starship five’s upper stage exploded upon re-entry it was still considered a successful test. Today's flight eleven was amazing with both booster and ship making controlled landings in the ocean. The ship was purposely stressed by making odd flips and turns to simulate something's going wrong with the ship. Even with the additional stresses the ship did a successful water landing.
WEATHER:
CANASTA: Jo, Ann, Ella, and I played Canasta this evening. With an even number of players we were able to play partners which always makes for a faster game. It is also my preferred way to play.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 71 bpm, BP 108/76, Oxy 95%, Sleep 10:13 PM to 08:56 AM, 09h 49m Total, REM 00h 39m, Deep 03h 02m, Light 06h 08m, Awake 00h 54m, 100% of Goal, 1.6 Events/hr, 1840 steps.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 12 Sunday in Leander and Liberty Hill
2025 October11 Saturday in Leander
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Dianna, Joan, Suzie, Michelle, Sandy, Andrea, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning. Ella baked some blueberry biscuits and frosted them with white icing and brought them to share.
BREAKFAST: I made biscuits and sausage gravy to start our day with.
LUNCH: We had spaghetti with meat sauce for our mid day meal.
LAUNDRY: This morning, before breakfast, I did a load of lite clothes. After lunch I took them to the third floor laundry room to dry them. If you've been following along you know that our dryer at home died mid load a few weeks back.
AGENDA: SAT October 11
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
1:00 p Second Hand Saturday✔️
SUN October 12
Love your spouse
PASTOR APPRECIATION DAY
10:00 a Sunday school
11:00 a Worship
NEWS: BOOM. As of now, 19 people are missing and believed to have died in an explosion at a military munitions plant in rural Tennessee on Friday. Emergency crews couldn't enter at first because there were still explosions happening, but now it's safe. The cause of the explosion is unknown and it may take days for the investigation to figure it out.
2. FIRED: The Trump administration has started firing federal workers to cut down on the number of government employees. The departments of Homeland Security, Education, and Energy are some of the agencies affected. It's not known how many workers have been fired.
3. PERU, lawmakers removed President Dina Boluarte from office due to corruption and crime issues. Congress Chief José Jeri will serve as president until April elections.
WEATHER:
2nd HAND SATURDAY: Every month, the community comes together for 2nd Hand Saturday, a special event where people can give away their unwanted items in hopes that someone else will find value in them. It's a great way to declutter and give back to the community at the same time. As the saying goes, "One man's trash is another man's treasure," and this event is a perfect example of that. Ella donated a pair of pants and came home with a pair of industrial strength black suspenders for me. It's amazing how something that may seem useless to one person can be exactly what someone else needs or desires. 2nd Hand Saturday not only promotes sustainability by reducing waste, but it also fosters a sense of camaraderie and generosity within the community.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 71 bpm, n/a, n/a Oxy, Sleep 10:59 PM to 07:11 AM, 07h 41m Total, REM 00h 53m, Deep 02h 41m, Light 04h 07m, Awake 00h 31m, 96% of Goal, 2.2 Events/hr, 1224 steps.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 10 Friday in Leander
Proof of Life Photo
28 days until Santa starts at Lakeline Mall. November 7th starts the Santa season. Visits with Santa are always free. Have some professional photos taken at the same time. Use them as your family Christmas cards.
COFFEE KLATSCH: Muriel, Jan, Linda, Ella, Suzie, Michelle, Jo, Avis, Dianna, Joan, I were at coffee this morning. Linda brought down her new vacuum cleaner and asked Tom to attach the hose. Which he did.
AGENDA: FRI October 10
Tom & Ella Arrived Texas 13 years ago
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
11:30 a LUMC Leander 50+ Luncheon❌
4:30 p Ella PT with Andrew✔️
6:00 p Happy Hour✔️
WEATHER:
LUNCH: For lunch I cooked a breaded chicken patty, savory green beans, mashed potatoes, and a vegetable stock gravy. There was also apple sauce.
PT: Ella's therapist was here to take her through exercises this afternoon. I'm not sure she does them when he's not here. I'm with her most of the time and I can't vouch for her doing the assigned exercises.
HEALTH: Heart Rate n/a bpm, n/a, n/a Oxy, Sleep 10:57 PM to 08:04 AM, 07h 13m Total, REM 00h 48m, Deep 02h 09m, Light 04h 16m, Awake 01h 54m, 90% of Goal, 2.2 Events/hr, 929 steps.
HAPPY HOUR: This is by far the smallest group I've seen at these Friday night gatherings. There were a half dozen who came and only three people brought food.
VERSE: Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose".
COMMENT: As I was growing up my mother's go to medicines were merthiolate, Vicks, and castor oil. I was a rough and tumble kind of kid. I was always getting bumps, scrapes, and bruises. For those mom would dab on the merthiolate - sometimes drawing a smile with it. For colds it was Vicks smeared on my chest or under my nose. For a cough she melt a little in hot water and make me drink it. (That is NOT recommended). For stomach aches it was a spoonful of castor oil. For aches and pains castor oil was rubbed over the affected area. I mention this not because I'm recommending any of them but because I once heard someone distribute today's scripture verse as the Bible’s castor oil. They meant that it is used as a cute-all since God can use all of our circumstances to his glory.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 09 Thursday in Leander and Liberty Hill
Proof of Life Photo
29 days until Santa is at Lakeline Mall.
COFFEE KLATSCH: Dianna, Jo, Joan, Suzie, Michelle, Jan, Maureen, Muriel, and I were at coffee this morning.
AGENDA: THU October 09
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
11:00 a Over The Hill Gang✔️
1:30 p Birthday celebration October❌
FRI October 10
Tom & Ella Arrived Texas's
Love your spouse
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills
11:30 a LUMC Leander 50+ Luncheon
4:30 p Ella PT with Andrew
6:00 p Happy Hour
OVER THE HILL GANG: 53 of us were at OTHG to enjoy spaghetti with meat balls, garlic on French bread, garden salad, mixed vegetables, various desserts, and tea/coffee. That is a delicious and well-rounded meal that offers a variety of flavors and textures. The spaghetti and meatballs provide a hearty and satisfying main dish, while the French bread adds a crunchy element to the meal. The garden salad and mixed vegetables add a healthy touch, providing essential vitamins and nutrients. To satisfy a sweet tooth, there are various dessert options to choose from, making it the perfect end to a delicious meal. And what's a meal without a warm cup of coffee or an iced tea to complement it? And we played a large variety of games after lunch.
WEATHER:
HEALTH: Heart Rate 71 bpm, BP 119/74, 95% Oxy, Sleep 11:34 PM to 07:56 AM, 08h 17m Total, REM 00h 58m, Deep 03h 07m, Light 04h 12m, Awake 00h 05m, 100+% of Goal, 2.2 Events/hr, steps
VERSE: Isaiah 40:31 "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint,"
COMMENT: According to The Salvation Army Silicon Valley. This verse offers a message of hope and renewed power for those who place their trust in God.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 08 Wednesday in Leander and Liberty Hill
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Dianna, Joan Michelle, Suzie, Andrea, Muriel, Jo, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning.
CANASTA at OTHG: Anne, Nathern, Ella, and I were at Over The Hill to play Canasta.
AGENDA: WED October 8
30 days until Santa Season
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
10:00 a Canasta✔️
4:00 p Ella physical therapy✔️
THU October 09
Love your spouse
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills
11:00 a Over The Hill Gang
1:30 p Birthday celebration October
FRI October 10
Tom & Ella Arrived Texas's
Love your spouse
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills
11:30 a LUMC Leander 50+ Luncheon
4:30 p Ella PT with Andrew
6:00 p Happy Hour
NEWS: 1. BACK PAY uncertainty refers to the possibility that furloughed federal workers may not be paid for the time they were not working during a government shutdown. President Trump's administration is considering not guaranteeing retroactive compensation for employees once the government reopens.
2. A group of engineers from MIT have developed a fresh printable form of aluminum alloy that is five times more durable than conventional aluminum. Through a combination of simulations and machine learning, they were able to discover the optimal blend of materials. The resulting alloy matches the strength of the best current aluminum alloys. This groundbreaking alloy has potential for use in creating lightweight, heat-resistant products such as jet engine fan blades, which would improve energy efficiency in transportation. It could also be utilized in vacuum pumps, luxury vehicles, and cooling systems for data centers.
3.The Trump administration sent Texas National Guard troops to the Chicago area, sparking opposition and a lawsuit. They were seen at an Army Reserve center in Illinois, possibly connected to immigration enforcement or protests.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 66 bpm, BP 119/78, 98% Oxy, Sleep 10:27 PM to 08:04 AM, 09h 08m Total, REM 00h 29m, Deep 03h 43m, Light 04h 56m, Awake 00h 29m, 100+% of Goal, Events/hr 2814
VERSE: “I, I am the LORD, and there is no savior besides me. I announced, I saved, I proclaimed, not some stranger among you. You are my witnesses, says the LORD, and I am God.” -Isaiah 43:11-12
COMMENT: God is the only Savior, not just for sin but also for life's hardships. He wants us to rely on Him for comfort, joy, and hope, even in tough times. Without Him, we can't find true salvation. While He may not always take away our problems, He promises to be with us through them. Let trials bring you closer to Him, the ultimate Savior.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 07 Tuesday in Leander and Liberty Hill
Proof of Life Photo
BREAKFAST: We drove to Over The Hill in Liberty Hill and had biscuits and sausage gravy with the men's coffee club. My allergies had me sneezing and snotting so I hurried home
COFFEE KLATSCH: The group was small when we arrived. Dianna, Joan, and Michelle were the only ones there. Ella and I joined them for a few minutes. However I needed to get home to some antihistamines.
AGENDA: TUE October 7
31 Days until Santa at Lakeline Mall
Love your spouse✔️
8:30 a Biscuits And Gravy✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
5:00 p 5 Crowns❌
5:00 p Mexican Train✔️
WED October 8
Love your spouse
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills
10:00 a Canasta
3:00 p Birthday Sept. celebration
4:00 p Ella physical therapy
THU October 09
Love your spouse
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills
11:00 a Over The Hill Gang
1:30 p Birthday celebration October
FRI October 10
Tom & Ella Arrived Texas's
Love your spouse
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills
11:30 a LUMC Leander 50+ Luncheon
6:00 p Happy Hour
31 Days until Santa at Lakeline Mall
Come early in the season and avoid the lines. By getting your photo early you'll have time to make it into Christmas cards
WEATHER:
I'm absolutely certain that the low temperature for today was NOT 23°! WeatherBug made a big whoops!
NEWS: 1. ISRAEL & HAMAS are in talks in Egypt to discuss a 20-point proposal to create a ceasefire and exchange prisoners. The US, Qatar, and Egypt are mediating the negotiations. They have agreed on the main points of the plan but are still debating the specifics. The proposal involves Hamas releasing hostages in exchange for Israel freeing Palestinian prisoners. There is also discussion about when Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza.
2. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu resigned just one day after forming his Cabinet, marking the shortest-lived government in modern French history. This is the third time France has had a new prime minister this year due to challenges passing an austerity budget. France's high budget deficit has led to pressure from the European Union, with the latest budget presentation due today. Calls for President Macron to resign or hold new elections have increased. The euro's value dropped after the news.
3. 6 DAYS DOWN: The Senate rejected a bill to fund the government because Democrats want to include a provision to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits. They have blocked the bill five times. Some Democrats crossed party lines to vote with Republicans, but not enough to pass the bill. The majority party is frustrated and unable to win over more votes.
LUNCH: .When it came time for lunch, I felt a craving for something different and exciting. I wanted to break out of my usual routine and try something new and unexpected. I had a swordfish steak thawed in the refrigerator After browsing through some recipes, I came across a dish that caught my eye - pan seared swordfish steak with saffron rice and spinach with cheddar cheese sauce. The combination of these ingredients intrigued me, and I couldn't resist giving it a try. The thought of the tender and flavorful swordfish, paired with the fragrant saffron rice and creamy cheese sauce, made my mouth water. It seemed like the perfect balance of flavors, and I was excited to see how it would turn out. Overall, I was eager to break out of my lunchtime routine and try something different, and this dish seemed like the perfect way to do just that.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 75 bpm, BP 115/76, 99% Oxy, Sleep 11:29 PM to 07:15 AM, 07h 23m Total, REM 01h 15m, Deep 01h 49m, Light 04h 19m, Awake 00h 23m, 100+% of Goal, Events/hr 3.1, Weight 284 lb, Steps
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 06 Monday in Leander
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: This morning, Michelle, Jan, Jo, Sandy, Avis, Dianna, Joan, Muriel, Ella, and I gathered for coffee in the community room for our weekly catch up session. As we sipped on our warm beverages, Joan excitedly shared with us tales of her recent travels aboard a ship. We were all captivated by her stories of travel with her dog Precious. Her vivid descriptions and lively storytelling had us all feeling like we were right there with her on the ship. We laughed at the funny mishaps she encountered and were in awe of her adventurous spirit. It was a delightful morning filled with good company and fascinating tales.
AGENDA: MON October 6
Love your spouse✔️
INR Check (Home)
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
5:00 p Canasta
TUE October 7
Love your spouse
8:30 a Biscuits And Gravy
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills
5:00 p 5 Crowns
5:00 p Mexican Train
WEATHER:
LUNCH: corn and chicken chowder
NEWS: RITE AID GONE: The once major pharmacy chain, has closed down all of its stores after 63 years in operation. The company started in 1962 with one store in Scranton, Pennsylvania and grew to have over 5,000 stores. However, due to financial issues and alleged involvement in the opioid epidemic, Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy twice in two years.
CANASTA: This evening, Ann, Steve, Ella, Barbara, Jo, and I gathered together to play our favorite card game, Canasta. It was a pleasant surprise to have Ann, Steve, and Barbara join us again after life had kept them away for a while. As we dealt the cards and began our game, it was clear that our friendship and love for this game had not faded in the slightest. Laughter and friendly banter filled the room as we strategized and played our hands. The joy on everyone's faces was a testament to the bond we share through our love for Canasta. As the evening came to an end, we all agreed that it was a wonderful evening spent with great company.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 79 bpm, BP 109/76, 99% Oxy, Sleep 10:13 PM to 07:56 AM, 09h 31m Total, REM 01h 46m, Deep 03h 29m, Light 04h 16m, Awake 00h 12m, 100+% of Goal, Events/hr 0.5, Weight 284 lb, Steps 2441
©2025 Thomas E Williams
Bonus AI image of Father Christmas
2025 October 05 Sunday in Leander and Liberty Hill
Proof of Life Photo
BREAKFAST: We arrived at Cross Tracks Church about 8:30 this morning. I drove around back to the East side of the church near where the campers were. I did that for two reasons: one to be closer to the prayer garden where today's worship service was held, two to be closer to the dining area where the pancake breakfast was served.
WORSHIP: Today's worship was underneath the huge double liveoak tree in the church's prayer garden.
AGENDA: SUN October 5
Love your spouse✔️
Church Campout❌
8:30 a Pancake breakfast✔️
10:00 a Tom liturgist for Worship✔️
WEATHER:
LAUNDRY: Since my bride Ella is still recovering from her shoulder surgery and is on a weight restriction, I have taken over the laundry duties. Our washing machine works but our dryer doesn't. This morning, before we left for church, I gathered up a load of white clothes and threw them in the washing machine. We came back home after service and I quickly switched out the laundry for a load of dark clothes. Once the second load was done, I took them up to the laundry on the third floor and ran them through the dryer. Unfortunately, I only had enough change for one dryer load, so I had to improvise. I placed all of the wet clothes in the dryer and ran it for an hour. However, when I checked on them, they were not completely dry, so I decided to lay them out on the furniture to finish drying. I figured that with the ceiling fan on, it might circulate enough air to dry the remaining dampness from the clothes. It was a bit of a hassle, but I didn't want to leave wet clothes sitting in the laundry baskets for too long, and I think my plan worked out in the end. It's just another task that comes with taking care of Ella during her recovery, and I'm happy to do it.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 81 bpm, BP 119/78, 99% Oxy, Sleep 10:39 PM to 07:31 AM, 08h 24m Total, REM 00h 28m, Deep 03h 00m, Light 04h 56m, Awake 00h 28m, 100% of Goal, Events/hr 1.4, Weight 282 lb, Steps 2149
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 04 Saturday in Leander
Proof of Life Photo
(And these AI generated)
Well, Ma an’ me gots us’n a new place back in them thar hills, after we retired from the big city.
COFFEE KLATSCH: This morning, Avis, Dianna, Michelle, Sandy, Donna, Muriel, Ella, and I met up for coffee and catch-up session. As we sipped on our warm beverages, we indulged in delicious pumpkin Madeleines and fresh papaya slices. The chatter and laughter filled the community room as we updated each other on our lives and shared funny anecdotes. It was a perfect morning spent with friends, enjoying tasty treats and good company.
AGENDA: SAT October 4
34 days until Santa at Lakeline Mall
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
4:00 p Church Campout❌
SUN October 5
Love your spouse
Church Campout
8:30 a Pancake breakfast
10:00 a Tom liturgists Worship
NEWS: Hamas has agreed to some parts of a peace deal with Israel proposed by Donald Trump. They agreed to give up control in Gaza and release Israeli hostages. They are open to discussing the remaining points in mediation. Trump had given them a deadline to accept the deal.
2. Funding for train line improvements in Chicago was stopped because the government threatened to cut resources to Democratic-run cities. This is part of a larger pattern of freezing funds for projects in states and cities that are mostly Democratic.
CAMPOUT: Ella had been feeling a bit off, so she decided not to go to the church campout at Cross Tracks Church. I didn't want to leave her home alone, so I also chose not to attend. This was the second year in a row that we had planned to go but couldn't make it. Three years ago, we were able to camp overnight, but last year we had to leave abruptly due to a case of "Montezuma's revenge." We stopped at a gas station for a bathroom break on our way home. This year, we were still planning on attending the festivities but not staying overnight. We will still go early tomorrow morning for the pancake breakfast and attend the worship service at the outside prayer garden. I have been chosen as the liturgist for the service. Despite not being able to fully participate in the campout, we are still looking forward to being a part of the community and enjoying some of the activities. Hopefully, next year we will be able to attend without any interruptions.
WEATHER:
HEALTH: Heart Rate 64 bpm, BP 109/78, 99% Oxy, Sleep 11:13 PM to 07:33 AM, 07h 47m Total, REM 00h 33m, Deep 02h 34m, Light 04h 40m, Awake 00h 13m, 97% of Goal, Events/hr 2.3, Weight 284 lb, Steps 1139
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 03 Friday in Leander
Proof of Life Photo
Oops! I forgot to take one
COFFEE KLATSCH: Michelle, Dianna, Jan, Muriel, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning. Really small group
AGENDA: FRI October 3
35 days until Santa season at Lakeline Mall ✔️
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
3:30 p Ella's Physical Therapist✔️
6:00 p Happy Hour✔️
SAT October 4
Love your spouse
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills
4:00 pChurch Campout
SUN October 5
Love your spouse
Church Campout
8:30 a Pancake breakfast
10:00 a Tom liturgists Worship
WEATHER:
NEWS: 1. President Trump is using the government shutdown to make changes to the federal workforce and put pressure on Democrats. He plans to meet with his budget director to discuss cutting spending and possibly firing workers from Democratic agencies. Trump believes that Democrats will be blamed if he takes these actions. This is his way of trying to improve the country's situation.
2. Two people were killed and three were seriously injured in an attack at a synagogue in the UK. The attacker drove into a crowd and then attacked them with a knife. The police shot and killed the attacker, who was wearing a fake explosive vest. Three other people were arrested in connection with the attack. The motive is unknown. The UK has labeled the incident as a terrorist attack and promised to increase security for Jewish communities. Israel's foreign minister criticized British officials for not doing enough to combat antisemitism.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 67 bpm, BP 109/70, 95% Oxy, Sleep 12:02 AM to 07:51 AM, 07h 06m Total, REM 00h 42m, Deep 02h 48m, Light 03h 36m, Awake 00h 25m, 88% of Goal, Events/hr 3.3, Weight 284 lb, Steps 2550
©2025 Thomas E Williams
2025 October 02 Thursday in Leander and Liberty Hill
Proof of Life Photo
What's your favorite?
COFFEE KLATSCH: Ricky passed through, Dianna, Michelle, Sandy, Eva, Maria, Ella, and I were at coffee this morning.
AGENDA: THU October 2
Arik W's birthday✔️
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
11:00 a Over The Hill Gang✔️
OVER THE HILL GANG: We had two new folks, Mary and Tina, who joined the other fourty-eight members for baked chicken, an assortment of sides, and plenty of desserts.
WEATHER:
NEWS: 1.QATAR. The White House announced that any attack on Qatar will be seen as a threat to the US, and President Trump promised to protect Qatar using all necessary resources, including the military. This is a unique agreement between the US and an Arab country. The order was issued after Israel bombed Hamas leaders in Qatar, which led to Israel apologizing to Qatar. Trump had previously made economic deals with Qatar and now plans to have a Qatari jet serve as Air Force One. The agreement is similar to NATO security guarantees but needs Senate approval to be legally binding. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, has recently signed a defense pact with Pakistan after failing to secure similar assurances from the US.
2. MOON LIFE? Enceladus, one of Saturn's moons, has a hidden ocean beneath its icy surface. The Cassini spacecraft discovered that there are complex chemical reactions happening in this ocean. This means that Enceladus has the right conditions to potentially support life - liquid water, a source of energy, and specific chemical elements.
3. FROZEN BILLIONS. President Trump's administration froze $26 billion for Democratic- leaning states during a government shutdown. This was seen as a tactic to target Democratic priorities and exert control over the federal budget.
4. ISRAEL BLOCKED AID. A group of activists, including Greta Thunberg, were sailing toward Gaza on a flotilla of boats carrying humanitarian aid. The Israeli navy intercepted 19 of the boats, but the activists on board are safe and being taken to Israel. The remaining boats are continuing their journey. The activists are determined to break the Israeli blockade and deliver aid to Palestinians. Israeli authorities used water cannons against some of the boats to stop them.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 74 bpm, BP 109/73, 95% Oxy, Sleep 10:33 PM to 07:54 AM, 09h 06m Total, REM 01h 04m, Deep 03h 45m, Light 04h 17m, Awake 00h 15m, 200% of Goal, Events/hr 3.3, Weight 284 lb, Steps 2232
©2025 Thomas E Williams
BONUS:
Do you know why Santa's deer can always stick the landing on a roof?
They don't have toenails … they have roofing nails. Ho ho ho!
2025 October 01 Wednesday in Leander and Liberty Hill
Proof of Life Photo
COFFEE KLATSCH: Michelle, Dianna, Muriel, Jo, ?, Sandy, Ella and I were at coffee this morning.
AGENDA: MON October 01
Love your spouse✔️
9:00 a Coffee at the Hills✔️
10:00 a Canasta at OTHG✔️
CANASTA: Anne, Sandy, Nathern, Ella, and I played Canasta at OTHG today. We didn't finish a game because we ran out of time. Charlie made a lunch of leftover baked potato and brisket bits for us and the Bible study group.
WEATHER:
HOME HEALTH: Ella's homecare nurse was here this afternoon to check up on her, sort through her medications, and give her some exercises for her shoulder.
VISITORS: Sandy and Linda came by this afternoon with some jello parfaits as a welcome home for Ella
NEWS: 1. CLOSED. The government has shut down because Congress couldn't agree on a bill to fund it. This means many federal workers are not working or are working without pay. Essential workers like military personnel will still work, but nonessential offices like national parks are closed. This has happened 15 times before, with the last big shutdown lasting 35 days. Senators will try to fix the problem and reopen the government soon.
HEALTH: Heart Rate 70 bpm, BP 119/78, 97% Oxy, Sleep 10:26 PM to 05:03 AM, 06h 35m Total, REM 00h 32m, Deep 02h 17m, Light 03h 46m, Awake 00h 12m, 82% of Goal, Events/hr 2.6, Weight 283 lb, Steps 2076
VERSE: Isaiah 40:11 СЕВ Like a shepherd, God will tend the flock; he will gather lambs in his arms and lift them onto his lap. He will gently guide the nursing ewes.
©2025 Thomas E Williams
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