My cameraman this time around is a very talented man named Alan Deutsch. Even though this is our first time working with one another, he is already following me with the camera as if we have been together for a long time. He already knows my sense of humor and when he should stay on me a little longer. When you're on-camera, there's always a dance you do with one another. When you are not in step with one another, it becomes awkward, and the camera feels like something foreign, but when you are in sync, it's like having a friend right by your side. With all the changes that have happened to the show, it's a relief that at least something feels right. Alan and Dave come by to share a cake that a woman admirer of Alan's sent to him. I have a nice bottle of wine and so we make plans to have dessert and conversation in my room.
They buzzed the door and when I opened it, there they were with a jar of Pringles tied with a big red heart balloon. I'm so touched and I think it is one of the sweetest things I have ever received, until I realize that the balloon came with the admirer's cake. "You gave me another woman's balloon?" I ask Alan. "You re-gifted a balloon?" "Think about it, Sam," Allan replies with a mouthful of cake. "Where do you think we would be able to get a balloon in downtown Orlando at 9 p.m.?" Okay, you have a point, but I can dream can't I?

February 15

Johnson's Diner has to be the best thing in Orlando. What a fantastic time talking to everyone. Clarence is the third generation to run the Diner, and he just had the most tender and caring personality of anyone I have ever met who has to be in charge. He loves his diner, his staff and his costumers. And his costumers were fantastic. Bural, Pastor Ron and Ed, right from the beginning, set the stage for a great morning. We were only supposed to be shooting there for a few hours but stayed for four. I don't think anyone on the crew really wanted to leave. Simply sitting down with people and sharing food, conversation and community, filled me up like a tall glass of sweet tea.

Cameraman Alan Deutsch steps away from his camera to make the face that every passerby gives to him.

The offending re-gifted balloon. See journal.