January 11, 2019

The first patrol of 2019 was one of those patrols, however short, had its purpose of people knowing me.  It started ask I was walking out in the freezing weather.  As my chest was nice & warm, my arms felt frozen.  I remember Baby Fozzie's joke on Muppet Babies, when he saids he had rights, "The Right to 'Bear Arms.'"  (I know, awful pun.  But believe me it fit the situation.).   As I walked I ran into some people & a lady stopped me, & asked me where the bar & tavern, "The Intermission" was.  You know you feel stupid, when you maybe the protector of Boston, but you don't know where all the eateries are in the area.  The group pulled her out, but she thanked me anyways.  Yes, it was one of those nights.  As I walked, I felt like, "What part of me thought it was a good idea to patrol when not many people go out in this weather?"  But later on I think as I approached more people, gave cereal bars to homeless people, being a hero, as it was best said by "The Rock," "IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT'S COLD!"  As I passed Haymarket T stop two kids saw me.  You know there's a magic when children see superheroes.  That magic very much warmed my heart on that cold night.  We gave fist bumps, high fives.  I even included the mother, not to make anyone jealous.  I passed Park Street.  And I noticed on the side street where cars were blocking passages by the garage on both sides.  As I was going to question either, one of them moved.  Probably for a parking space.  I even went past Downtown Crossing.  One person spotted me, & was impressed with my uniform (he called it a costume, but why be PC, even if you are a real life superhero?). As I was going down I heard the sound of a siren as a paddy wagon pulled by.  I turned around, but it turned out they were heading for the bank nearby. Lucky me.  I passed by another area where three guys spotted me.  And for the first time, ever, I was referenced by the movie "Kick-Ass."  Another huge support.  It was a day where there wasn't much action, but huge incentive for being a real life superhero.

December 24, 2018

Managing a last minute change, I decided to patrol Dorchester.  I t was late but seeing the lights on Christmas Eve night was real beautiful.  I managed to get into a lot more detail with my patrols, starting to feel comfortable in my work.  My first encounter was with a gypsy cabbie near Ashmont station who thought I was Dracula.  I also heard some yelling from a corner, as I walked back I noticed a guy by the door talking on a cell phone.  Knowing how hard it is to get service, I walked on.  As I walked down I noticed four young men horsing around, one even hiding behind a lightest. As I came by, & asked them what they were doing out this late at night, they couldn't give me a clear answer.   As I walked, a casually tailed them with giving much suspicion, but knowing them they'd make a big deal anyway. I noticed they were heading down to the 7-Eleven over at Fields Corner. I looked by the parking lot.  Thank God it wasn't a robbery.  But to be sure I backtracked.  Fortunately, another man exited the area.  If there was any real trouble, that man wouldn't have walked out in a casual manner.  So I went back.  With that good use of observation, surveillance without being spotted, & discipline in knowing when & when not to act.  Either way, I think those guys might get coal in their stocking.  I managed to walk farther, but when I passed another 7-Eleven, there was a guy who dressed like Sue Sylvester from Glee asking me to buy them a cigarette, followed by another man who peeked out of the window.  Do they know the cigarette laws?  Anytime you have to buy tobacco products, you have to show identification.  Imagine me having to buy smokes, removing my mask, & giving my ID.  Not smart!  I encountered another lady, who was a good friend.  She appreciated my work, but alas also asked for smokes.  I talked about the situation earlier, but she was so sweet.  We even did a secret handshake, which felt cool.  I headed back when I saw siren lights over at the other end, best not make my situation worse.  As I walked a guy, probably one of the same guys began yelling, which was weird.  Also I noticed a man walking out of the alley.  I watched as he left, & decided to check to make sure if everything was okay.  However I was diverted when an SUV came out of the alley.  Fortunately I managed to see when I was on one of the side streets.  Fortunately no problems.  There was also a mother & son walking out late.  I figure the man was holding a bag, & a woman was walking with a cane.  Knowing they would be easily panicked,  I managed to go one the side streets to make sure they don't feel like they aren't being followed.  As it turned out they were heading to midnight mass over at a local church.  I watched a girl getting a gate open to make sure her friend would be able to get home after what seems to be a party.  I offered to help but she didn't need it.  As I also walked back I noticed some people with packages.  I offered to help, but they were okay, but I had a huge kick of one of the kids calling me Batman.  I think the biggest scare was after I crossed the street on Gallivan Boulevard a Jeep came speeding as a bat out of hell.  I was lucky I was already to the curb.  And speaking of immature, as I walked past the hospital, I noticed three men dancing like a joke with a hip-hop song while getting in a car.  And they say me getting dressed as a superhero was immature.  It was an interesting patrol, but one where I am starting to feel more comfortable with each step.

December 23, 2018

The second night of my Christmas patrols took me to Southie.  It was more silent since we were close to the holidays.  The only that might've been was probably some bar fights or people imitating the Grinch (& if you've seen the number of movies with him, I wouldn't be surprised if he went for his own comic book.  Yeah, I think Marvel will do that!  The mouse has a way with words, just watch the Disney Channel).  (Anyone who loves Disney, I apologize.). One person gave me my first compliment, "You're crushing it with the cape."  That was the first time I ever heard that. I think Joan Rivers would get me best dressed (God!  I miss her!). I managed to do more side streets.  It felt like such a rush.  I'm feeling more comfortable in my work.  As I passed a bunch of guys, some made a vague Darth Vader reference.  I think I might need to see Obi-Wan about that, I hope he knows I'm not the one from Episode IV, or III.  I passed someone near the Lincoln Pub calling for a friend.  I tried getting his attention, but no go.  She asked about me, & I introduced myself.  Then she didn't care & either texted or smoked a cigarette.  As I was crossing from West to East Broadway, I didn't realize there was a hill there.  I almost felt like it was take the wind out me.  So I changed direction & went down my first side street.  It was a residential, one I haven't done fully since Plymouth in 2012, when an officer kicked me off my patrol & made a group home reference (YES I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN ABOUT THAT!). However this was different.  As I kept walking I felt I made every child & adult feel safe to have dreams of sugarplums dancing their heads.  And as I walked & passed a police car, I felt more confident.  This made me feel like I can go anywhere & not feel like a freak.  However learning new spots can be challenging & scary.  I managed to keep my cool.  I soon found where I was when I remember a funeral home I passed several times when I patrolled South Boston, named Casper Funeral Home (Make you own reference.  I'm not touching that one.). But I can say is thank you to that friendly ghost.  Which suddenly a crack happened.  It was plastic run over by a large SUV.  As I made it past.  I felt I made huge advancement in my patrolling.  Christmas Eve is a night off due to weather.  But I am definitely looking forward to Christmas Day.

December 22, 2018

What is probably the start of a Christmas run full of patrols, something I haven't been doing in a while.  It started rather decently.  Getting to know different areas are always helpful & this was the first time I ever went to different areas.  One of the first good deeds came, when I spotted a homeless man.  I remembered my past mistakes & brought some cereal bars with me.  The man thanked me, & we became good friends.  A funny thing happened to me thou when I crossed to the West End.  There were three guys hanging around in the cold December weather (depending on how you look at it) & they were amazed to see me.  They were like a child meeting a celebrity or their biggest hero.  They asked me questions,  thanked me up & down.  They introduced me to people who were walking around the street, even stopping a car to tell them I am here.  It was a big thrill but I was nervous as hell.  They said they wanted me on their podcast (Guys, if you're reading this I am holding you up to it).  It felt good as I walked.  But there were times it was humbling.  One placed I passed there was a woman who looked sickly.  I was going to give her a cereal bar, but she said she needed something to drink.  I asked if there is anything I could do, call for hell, ask for a friend or family member to pick her up, but she said there was nobody.  All she could do at that moment was try to vomit.  I felt bad, but there was nothing I could do.  One of the most humbling things about this is for all the powers you can have, they are times you can't help that person.  And the last thing you want to do is make it worse.  Although, one person asked if I had weed or another asking if I had a beer, both awkward.  Speaking of which, there was a blind homeless man trying to cross a street.  A good samaritian was trying to help, but I figured she had more trouble get thru with the traffic & I noticed he was moving slowly.  I ran over trying to help.  One thing the man asked do you have any money, & here is where thing get stupid.  I said, "I have a cereal bar."  Now this is a blind man in the middle of traffic.  He pushed me off & yelled don't touch me.  I noticed he was still in the middle of traffic & I tried to get him to safety but he would have none of it.  Thank God, another Good Samaritan came to help get him to safety.  I felt like crap, but the samaritan actually thanked me, & said I was a good hero,  However I didn't feel like I really did any good.  I damaged to get to Chinatown for the first time, & I can tell you it was amazing.  I was almost at the area where the Combat Zone used to be.  Which shows how amazing it felt.  I managed to get to a new section of Boston, close to South Station.  But I was careful not to get into he area, or it would be big trouble.  I helped some homeless guys, as well I passed a closed diner, which there was a throne for Santa Claus.  I was tempted to sit on that throne, but I didn't.  I figured it would be sacrilege.  However as I went on my second lap, there were a lot of good deeds done.  For one thing, I actually passed by a car that was stuck over near a sausage stand near the Black Rose.  I knew if it kept moving it would more problems.  So I told the guy that I would put my foot on the cone so the car would go in reverse to make the car freed form the cone.  It worked, but the sausage stand told the driver it couldn't park there, it belonged to someone else.  Stayed to make sure everything was alright.  Afterwards, I passed an area near Haymarket, in which I did about three times, & heard some yelling.  Whenever you hear yelling & a racial slur, you know the feces is going to hit the fan.  I checked if everything was okay.  But I found out they were talking about an old Disney show, "Lizzy Maguire."  I always knew today's kids shows were getting worse & it started in the 90s.  Our future generations ladies & gentlemen.  I left, telling them to be careful, & they said likewise.  I will tell you a funny thing that happened.  As I passed the clubs, one bouncer actually nodded towards me, while two at the other laughed as if they heard a real dirty joke.  The irony of life.  I actually went to a 24 hour Dunkin Donuts, a lifesaver for any real life super hero, night club patrons, & public servants.  The service was great but for small iced coffee, thank God I have DD Perks.  I also helped move some boxes on a one way side street.  A driver spotted me, & I told them the reason.  He thanked me & that helped.  This was the most active patrol I ever had in a while.  I felt like I did a lot of good, with things to learn, & people noticing me more.  I look for to the next few days.

November 18, 2018

As I first stopped at Dunkin Donuts for a quick bite & a restroom stop, a man spotted me.  He thought I was one of the people that works with a ghost tour in the area.  As I explained who I was, he was more welcome to it.  There are days you are reminded that anything outside the norm can still be seen the same was as a witch in Salem during the city's Witch Trials (not offending witches or warlocks, but I'm sure you know what I mean by what I'm talking about).  As I exited the garage putting on the mask (let's face it.  A masked man in a parking garage can scare a lot of people, especially today), some people were laughing.  Better chuckles, then 911.  As I exited I saw two old ladies in an SUV spotting me saying, "Hey!  That's Batman!"  I explained who I was & what I was doing & they were excited & proud for seeing me.  The walk, again shortened due to injury, but like the smallest grape in the bunch it packs a lot of flavor.  I did the patrol earlier because the Patriots were on a bye week, & with the second half of football, you can say fantasy players can get a bit rough, as well as drinkers & football fans.  I managed to pass by a certain area, & there were more people.  I can tell people were a lot more open to a real life superhero in the area.  There was a father & daughter, the father was singing, "Na-na-na-na, Batman!"  It made me feel real good as I explained who I was & they said thank you.  As I passed by the turn, I noticed a dog in a pick-up truck left out.  The weather was cold, the dog was big.  But asking myself if I would do anything laid to rest as I heard the owner yelling as if he was acting like an animal (& if you heard him you surely know I can attest to that).  I was feeling a little sore I had to stick to the opposite street again.  This was a little more fruitful as I heard those loud groans again from the opposite side of the street.  Granted I was on the other side, the person was moving fast & drunk, & I had the cane again so no pushing my legs, I had no choice but to be methodical.  As I followed after the Walk sign went on, I soon lost him, as I mistake the bench for the dog that the guys were with.  But I managed to hold a door for a little girl along with her mother.  Two old men came up & asked who I was.  Very salt of the earth, we had a great conversation as I explained who I was.  They were kind in general, the other, well, he couldn't give a damn.  The man gave me a Reese's miniature, one I felt I didn't deserve, but a welcome reward.  Unfortunately, candies like those you can save for later, because they melt rather quickly & they make a mess.  I soon discarded it regretfully, but I can say not only sorry to that kind man, but thank you for making me feel more at peace with being in Boston.  I passed by another bar, & there were these college kids that were spotting "Darth Vader."  In other words, they were thrilled to see me.  It was one of those days where I am starting to feel more hopeful about patrolling my area.

November 17, 2018

On a cold November night, it felt like St. Patrick's Day as a sea of green was coasting Downtown.  The Boston Celtics were playing the Utah Jazz on a Saturday night. T hat of course means rowdy fans.  As I saw a young man standing on a sign post as if the Celtics were World Champions.  First thing I thought, "Yeah, it'll be one of those nights."  It also meant the clubs were going to be more rowdy.  I was having my Triple H face, in which I was acting as if I was marching to Motorhead.  A lady waiting in line spotted me, & called me Batman.  I explained who I was & I told her to be safe.  There was this guy that asked who I was supposed to be.  I started the second verse like the first verse, but then came a swerve.  He didn't think I was who I said I was.  He thought I was an idiot dressed with a stupid mask.  There's always one in every crowd.  It didn't matter as when I crossed by, I helped a lady parallel park, a hell common to Boston drivers, especially on a Saturday night.  She gave a thumbs up as a thank you.  It's as close to a "my hero" moment as you can get, so take what you can.  I knew the Greatest Bar was advertising a10-foot robot.  I had a look at him, & it definitely fit the bit.  The neon glow made not so hard to miss.  We gave each other a nod & a thumbs up.  There was a guy yelling a storm.  At first I thought it was a vendor from the Garden, but it turned out it was a guy who was supposedly drunk acting as if he was the big wig.  One look at me, & he toned down real quick.  But when I went past Causeway, even television couldn't find a way to write this, probably Jackass thou.  A young man was so drunk calling me dad.  First I thought complete stranger calling me dad?  Is Maury Povich going to come out & say, "You are the father."  He soon gave me a Milk-Bone asking if I was hungry.  I refused & told his friend to take him home.  From his mannerisms the guy was drunk.  The next guy was a dozy.  He was wearing a Red Sox cap, he should worn a clock necklace because he was acting like Flava Flav.  I asked the girl next to him, if he's been to any rap concerts.  For a short patrol, all I can say is who needs television?  I had my sitcom.

November 11, 2018

On the day in which on which we honor those who serve our country, I had one of my most important patrols.  Earlier in the day, I was having knee pain which was lasting for the past weeks.  Thru all the aids, it couldn't go away.  While I was at a restaurant watching the Patriots game, in which I was wondering which one was more painful, the pain was getting worse (I guess that was the answer).  Someone noticed & asked if I was okay.  Try holding a brave face with a bad knee is worthy of an Oscar I think or at least the world's bravest soldier.  The waitress told me that she dealt with knee pain.  I knew this waitress, & her optimism & hard work inspired me to fight.  And as well I remembered, the brave soldiers who fight for our country time after time, & thru the toll still defend our country with honor, the cheerleaders, from Pop Warner, High School, College, Pro; one sports more get injured.  And thru the branches, bandages, & ACL, they still cheer.  If all of them can, then I sure damn well I can, & no bad knee can ever stop me!  So afterward, I managed to get a brace to work with.  I brought the cane I used previously in my patrols.
I did South Boston as a testing mark.  Other areas would be a lot harder, whether in travel or situation, Southie is middle ground.  Since this would be done again next week, if possible, I would try new ground I normally wouldn't try.  And with a cold weather & the knee I had to play conservative.  Which meant a shorter patrol.  But quality always beat quantity.  So I tried new areas.  I kept going on my original path but instead, I went straight.  I was going to keep going, but it looked residential, something I wouldn't take a chance on fearing scrutiny from the neighbors.  So I turned back.  But to be smart I actually covered side streets, & boy were there many.  It gave me new ideas to work with that I'll look at in the future.
I would tell you it was pretty quiet, not many people for a Sunday night.  I believed there was Sunday Night Football, a good one.  The Eagles playing the Cowboys.  But let's face it, do you want to see a team that beat us in the Super Bowl playing?  Not many people would, especially if they have work tomorrow.  So not many people, which always was a danger sign to me of what might happen & worry that you will be in a situation where you will rest on your laurels.  The only this that was interesting is when at the corner of West Third & A Streets, that there was a man changing his black jacket, showing his white shirt.  Odd, but the shirt looked more like a chef's jacket & there were restaurants, pubs, bars, & taverns around the area (Of course!  It's Southie!). So I let it go at that.  I hope it wasn't a danger sign.
As I head, I promised myself I'd go to the doctor about the knee.  But before I do, I hope that waitress looks at this blog.  I want to thank her from the bottom of my heart.  With her determination, she determined to be a better hero.  She was a cheerleader & a hero to me.  So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.  You made Boston a little more safer tonight.