Harold Williams Cooney

Sunday, December 21st 2025. Extended Stay America Suites- Orlando – Lake Mary – 1036 Greenwood Blvd, Room 205, queen bed. About 530 am. High 50’s and calm.

I used my cell phone while still in bed to discover that an Uber to REI was momentarily very inexpensive. I pressed the wait and save button and leaped into action.

My driver was perhaps not having the best morning. He seemed to not know how to use his map interface. He took several incorrect turns and generally drove as fast as possible. But, I did arrive and didn’t comment.

I had breakfast, an omelet, and coffee. I sit at Starbucks and make my second video for Ramdino AT News channel. I probably shouldn’t make the videos, nothing good will come from it, but its fun and so I have.

With the video uploaded, I doom scroll until REI opens. It takes me two minutes to exchange my item, and I owe them 4 dollars, I think. Thank God for REI. Learning to be outdoors is difficult, REI makes it easier.

There is a Publix close by and I purchase trail food and hotel food. I get an Uber back to the hotel. Eat and nap.

I do laundry. Look over my pack, making sure everything is all good.

At some point, I wake up and dust the crumbs off myself sufficiently to walk to dinner at a BBQ place. I get cookies and yogurt at Fresh Market, and I walk back to the room, eating and playing with my phone until midnight.

It’s been a good couple of days. Luxury, as far as my life goes. I’ve rested and gotten fat. My gear is all set. I feel sad and lonely like always, and so I am eager to get back to the exercise of the outdoors.