I was grocery shopping and a man kept talking to me and followed me. I quickly checked out, put my hand on a big man explaining the situation and asked him to take me to my car. He was so sweet. Loaded my car talking loud “ I’ll see you at home “
One Sunday morning, after church, my 5'2"- 76 yr old Mom walked out of Kroger with her shopping cart in what looked to be a near empty parking lot. She took her purse from her shoulder placed it in the basket and turned to put her keys in the trunk to open it. In a flash, a guy ran behind her snatched her purse and started to run towards a running/waiting car in the parking lot. My mother was FURIOUS and took off after him... The 20 something year old thief got so scared as he was turning around to see her chase him down and closing in... he accidentally dropped his cell phone, had to bend down and get it... it gave Mom just enough time to see the rear license plate on the getaway car! The police were able to identify the car pull it over a few days later and lo and behold on the floor of the back seat was my mom's now emptied Calvin Klein purse! She gave the purse to me because she didn't want to look at it anymore due to the ordeal... But I wear it proudly! It could have had awful consequences. She has changed her purse up to a crossbody now. But I got to say... nobody should mess with my little firecracker Mom.
My granddaughter had her wallet stolen out of her cart at Walmart. I have told her over and over to carry a cross body bag!! May work for your dear mother too.
This isn't possible on all purses..... After something similar a decade ago I started keeping a carbiner on my purse. I click the purse carbine ti the cart. That hinders dash off stuff.
Had a man friend for over 20 years. He never kept me safe even when we were together. He always walked ahead of me. He would leave the store without telling me while I wander around looking for him. We aren't together anymore, but his huge lack of love and disrespect haunts me still.
I saw this on my feed today (2/27/24!!)and I thought it was recent since you have been posting about this topic in the last few days. It is still very much pertinent for today! Thank you James and Patara!!!
You're not alone in feeling unsafe. I was approached (in what I considered a menacing manner), in a Walmart parking lot, while putting my bags in my vehicle. I'm not sure what would've happened if that man had not seen the the person sitting in the vehicle parked behind me. Now I carry my concealed weapon when I shop, or my husband comes with.
Same, we shop in pairs, payday preps, Always Armed, head on swivel, carry yourself confidently, have each other's back - not only who you're with, but others around you, as well - Always be Aware, driving, walking, shopping, everything. Also, be kind - none of us know what others are going through, just smile, be kind, but still be aware & on alert.
I walked out of the grocery store one night (unusual for me to shop at night) and 4 men were hurriedly following me. I couldn’t interpret what they were saying so I stopped, put my hand into my purse and turned towards them. They went the other way. Yes it was a bluff but it got me home safely.
Yes! I had a Huge fright 2 weeks ago A Man opened up my passenger door and tried to get in! Thankfully my front seat was Full of groceries! He said oops wrong car, thought it was mine. He said his looked just like mine. After he shut the door I watched him walk across the parking lot and get into a vehicle that Looked Nothing even close to mine!! I carry pepper spray, and a huge can of hornet spray ( ohhh that stings!!) and if he had gotten closer he would have been in pain. I had let my guard down and unlocked my doors before scoping out my surroundings. Thank you Patrea for your hard work in helping us be prepared!
I think the key is being aware of surroundings. Even be watchful for other women / men that doesn't realize they is potentially being followed. Watch out for each other as well as ourselves.
I would like to ask everyone to please watch out for those in wheelchairs, electric carts, walkers and the elderly while they are in their cars or walking to and from stores. They become victims to thefts while out because they’re seen as easy targets. I keep my eye out for these things and will call 911 immediately and start yelling to draw attention to them. We need to have each other’s back
Also be careful you are not followed home. The elderly and handicapped are sometimes targeted because they are more likely to have prescription pain killers at home.
My husband and I took our granddaughter out to eat. As we exited the restaurant there were 4 men leaning on the wall outside. As we stepped off the sidewalk they left the wall as a group and fell in behind us. My husband and I both had situational awareness and I turned around and began walking backwards while talking to my husband and granddaughter. I was prepared to defend myself and my family. I guess knowing that they had garnered more attention than they wanted they aborted their plans. Be safe everyone ❣️
We usually run errands together. I don't feel comfortable for my wife to shop alone. As they say, keep your head on a swivel. ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings. Be prepared.
I highly recommend reading the book “The Gift of Fear”. Have your daughters and granddaughters read it. Put what it says into practice.This is no joke. I was mugged, but my awareness saved me and I was able to identify the perpetrator (who was on parole for assault and kidnapping), who is now in the penitentiary.
I am a widow, but If I talk to the cashier or anyone in a store I always find a way to say my husband is waiting in the car, or is in another area of the store. In the past I would never thought twice about shopping at night, but now I do not shop at night. I live in a upscale neighborhood and many residents have noticed strange cars roaming the neighborhood as if we are being cased. Alot of us have increase security around our homes and added cameras etc. When I come home from the grocery or stocking any items I pull straight in the garage and put the door down before getting out of the car so that no one sees what I am unloading and no one can get to me as I am distracted unloading the car. It is very sad how quickly things are changing.
I also mention a husband with various workers coming to the house although I am a divorced and now live alone. Not long ago the termite man was a asking some questions about my family situation which caused the instinctive side of me to be alert. Don't be chatty with workers.
A friend and I were talking about this today. It has made us hesitant to go "running " errands like we did before. Not living in fear. Just limiting exposure to the craziness.
Hard to believe that there are people out there that feel it is even remotely their business as to what other people have in their shopping carts. Our society truly is made up of many people that are a few cards short of a full deck.
Oh they do, I've had people stop me and ask why I have so much cat food, at the time I had 8 of those 40 can cases, plus 5 bags dry. It was to feed the rescue. Smh
@@melodyhart2017 extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Why not just blame it on the rising cost of living and shortages have people stressed out?
I work in a grocery store five days a week. Trying to constantly being mindful of my surroundings. It can be nerve racking. I know when people are stressed and I try to lighten the mood. It's so hard not to get annoyed with people. I'm constantly praying for wisdom and discernment.
I take the dog up to a park in the woods, every Sunday. I used to live up there and I've been going up there two years now. Twice, I've gone up there and it's looked like a homeless camp. It just makes me uncomfortable and I go somewhere else. ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOUR GUT FEELINGS! If it doesn't feel right, leave.
I am a widow and live in a small town, I always park close to the door at places. I always look around and be observant of my surroundings! I never go anywhere after dark anymore.👍
Same here, I live in Norway, and so far we have not experienced anything like this. But, I have to go to Oslo, the big city, once or twice a month, and I have started walking instead of taking the metro or tram, in case of pick pockets or other unpleasant encounters. I feel safe in my tiny homestead in the middle of the woods.
I was at Aldi this morning and picked up my 5 cans of fruit. I hear what you are saying about safety. Always have your head on a swivel. Last week I was shopping at a supermarket and I was using a gift card my daughter gave me. It was giving the cashier a bit of a problem. The man behind me got nasty to my cashier, left our line and then came back and was very rude to her again. Some people are very impatient these days. Not me, I smile more, and am more courteous than ever, because everyone is dealing with something these days. Have a blessed day and stay safe.
I have actually been followed twice before once in walmart and once in kroger. Walmart was the worst and I actually had to put my kids all in the cart and unzip my purse with my hand on my gun bc we had a stare down, looking back I should have yelled or made a scene but once he notice I had a gun maybe in my pure he backed off and I went to get a store employee and pointed the guy out. The got on the radio and I kid you not said "code sunshine, code sunshine" ..whatever that was. I no longer shop without my husband and only shop with the amish. No more walmart or krogers in over a yr. I literally thought that was the day I would have to pull my gun. I'm positive he wanted to grab one of my kids!- ohio
Sure glad you were prepared but sorry you went through that. Just as an aside, one of my situational awareness tactics is to make serious eye contact with someone who I suspect may not not have the best intentions. Not staring, just long enough to make sure they know I see them and I'm aware of what they're doing.
@@afterglow6143 oh no! We had a stare down and it seemed like forever but was probably a min. But I wasn't about to take my eye off him bc I would have shot him if he tried anything. He had already went shopping and was carrying a bag already paid for. We were in the school section shopping so he was ready to grab and go and I was not about to take my eye off him!
Hello Miss Patara . My Mom and I were followed from Walmart a couple of weeks ago . Thankfully my Mom is a little paranoid and always watching what's going on around us ! Although I'm beginning to think that maybe she's not as paranoid as everybody says . 🤔🤷
I have been going out of my way to be nice to people. It is something that I have been more conscious of since the lockdown. Seeing people lose their minds at restaurant workers on you tube made me much more mindful of how IMPORTANT it is. That being said, I carry defense with me.
next time, if someone is close , walk past ur car, act like u cant find it, return to store,2ed keep ur keys in ur hand with the key between ur fingers to use as defence if need b. strike to face if person trys to touch,grab
@@txrose3809 i got a personal alarm that screams to high heaven. It’s as loud as an airplane engine. Hang them on the side of your purse or carry in your hand. Be defensive, not a victim.
@@krissynyc Pray on it? Yeah, I do. I have been. Dating sites are a cesspool of demonic activity? Yeah, it's a nightmare that I no longer care to visit. Ug!
I've noticed people following me when I shop alone. My sister has reported the same. I have also noticed a trend of people recording me with their phone when I'm at work or even at the local aquarium or theme park. Ladies, be very careful!!!
Absolutely. After losing a favorite coworker a few weeks ago, declared a suicide, but very very suspicious circumstances with no evidence of another person present...my kids carry tasers just down the road, and my oldest is required to walk his female coworkers to their cars. He's a very big, intimidating young man, but even he knows to watch his back always.
I especially said this to my two granddaughters going out of state to college: use the buddy system always. And watch your restaurant drinks if you leave the table. Be aware especially girls.
I went to Florida State University right after the Ted Bundy fiasco. We were told to always walk with a buddy or to call the university escort system...especially for night classes.
Another thing about doing more frequent small shopping is that you can toss it in the car and go as opposed to spending too much time trying to load the car. Load up get in your car quickly and lock those doors.
There are many of us who have no other option than to shop alone. I had not been to WM in almost a month but had several things I needed to get not found a grocery type stores. I did my non-grocery shopping first and moved over to the grocery side. As I was walking down an isle, I heard someone saying ma'am, ma'am. A man was approaching me and I guess he sensed my caution. He was asking if I could buy he and his girlfriend some snacks. I told him I was shopping for someone else and couldn't add in anything extra. As I moved throughout the grocery section, I began really watching and turns out there were several individuals running this hustle on various customers. As I was heading to the checkout, I saw all four of the men together. Head on a swivel folks. Talked to the man checking receipts at the door and he got a young man working there to walk out to the car with me.
I harvested my potatoes and started working on a second round. I have one sprouted potato from my first harvest that goes in the potato set up tonight. In September, I have a plan to get another round of cold weather crops in the ground. I harvested onions and replanted those already. I have to get as many as I can before winter comes.
I had a very close kidnapping or human trafficking call in the Walmart closest to me a year and a half ago. I have not stepped foot into that place since. I will not. The world is not the way it once was and it is so scary for our daughters in particular.
Oh my.goodness... I am so sorry. What happened, only if you don't mind me asking? About 4 years ago, my husband and I were staying at a motel 6 for his work one week and I had a close call myself there one night.
When I was a little girl my grandma would always pretend grandpa was in the car while we were walking out of the stores, and she only went out during the day. I thought it was funny as a kid, but as I became a adult/mom it started making sense. Be safe, be aware!
I have no choice but to go alone so I pretend talk on my cell phone as if my spouse is waiting in the parking lot, "I'm on my way to the car now honey."
I usually have to go alone unless I’m grocery shopping somebody takes me to the grocery store. I usually have to walk to the store I usually go during the day.
I was just discussing this with my husband today. Times are different and more violent. I had a dentist appointment today and was close to BJs so I thought I would stop and pick up some more canned fruit for my pantry. I was very cautious and observant in the parking lot. I never used to worry about it before. I’m 65 and I feel like my gray hair makes me a target. Scary times we are in. I love your videos Patera. I grew up on a farm and get what you are saying about costs of things and the importance of being prepared.
I've seen a couple instances where people get so aggravated in the stores. I've also seen one of the stores I used to shop at have a lot of older teens hanging out at the doors, rough housing and shoving. I just crank my car back up and go elsewhere. Also I usually have maybe 2 or 3 bags light enough to carry. I make sure to have a can of something in each bag. Those bags can be a weapon when swung. Especially with a can in it.
Small towns where we all know/recognize one another is a natural safety zone - it's when we leave that zone for bigger areas that we need to be on guard.
Exactly! Make eye contact, speak, smile. If they're friendly it's great, smile back. If they're shady, it throws them off because you act like you recognize them.
One thing I learned years ago in my CCW class....Make sure to have a strong demeanor, look confident and aware of your surroundings. I don't have people bother me when I am shopping.
My dear, I’m an older woman alone. My husband died in 2019, haven’t any children and most of my friends are gone too. Have had negative looks. Since I go out rarely; I’m stocking up. I’m in agreement with you. It’s great advice. Love the HONESTY!
Societal degradation is happening at an exponential rate. Not just here in America. Canada is collapsing, most countries in the European Union are in trouble, real trouble. You are correct Ms. Ma'am and Mr. James. When all is said and done all you have is yourself. Get a gun, learn to shoot but more over learn to be proficient with that firearm. Get some bear spray, not just pepper spray ladies. As a 54-year-old retired military man who is a single father to a precious 6-year-old girl (going on 20), I fear not for me, everything I do is for her. I am blessed to live in a rural community an hour from Branson Missouri. The craziness has yet to infiltrate this area. But it will come, make no mistake about it. Keep watching this channel. Do the research on how this world in absolute decay. Stay alert, stay vigilant and most of all, pray!
It’s dangerous now! Hi James!! Good to see you two!!! Glad she has you to rely on!! I don’t even shake my head when cut off in traffic or whatever! Just let them go. They may be at the end of their rope and you may be the last straw!!!!! Be careful out there everyone! God bless!!!
@@jking309 life in general! Strange men accosting you in parking lots! People knocking on doors and checking out your yard! People walking out of store with full carts of food and bypassing the checkout line! Road rage! The first event happened to me personally! The rest happened to people in my city which is very small! You would never think this type of incident could occur in this town!! Life is dangerous! And becoming more so every day!! Praying for the world!
@@jking309 We live in a relatively small southern town. There were two separate shootings between customers at two different gas stations within one week.
I’m already accustomed to not going out alone. I live in meth central so every time you go out, you come into contact with at least a handful of completely unhinged, possibly violent, mentally unstable people. And I have three children with me in tow wherever I go. My husband is a trooper, he works manual labor all day and then takes us out shopping if it’s not too late to go to the store.
We are a military family and I’ve had different experiences in different locations over the last 2 years. Last year I had 2 people make comments to me, at the local grocery stores, “that my cart was full” or “my, you have a lot of groceries.” I smiled and said I sure do…. And I went on about my business. People shop differently and we were in a town that most people could walk to the stores or restaurants. We grocery shop every 3 to 4 weeks and cook at home. I guess some feel the need to be judgmental and out spoken, instead of minding their business. From that point on, we now go together. I told my husband that folks were mistaken my southern sweetness for a weakness. 😂🤷♀️
Agreed, I work on a college campus and I am surprised how many of my students have not been taught some of these basic life skills at home. So, I am letting them know what I can without stepping on their families beliefs.
I'm always thrilled now that my husband in on board prepping we went last last night I only wanted rice but my husband want to really stock canned meat I always thank him for prepping with me
@ Sophia Grace..my hubby has just gotten on board with my prepping....I have been going non stop. He has always had a garden except for 2020 and 2021.....well he did have a small one last winter. I've always put up whatever he harvests. I have been stocking up and now am pressure canning and freezing foods. Am so very thankful that our sin also puts food up. Am trying to put up enough for our daughter and her family since she's unable to do so right now. Our garden hasn't done so well this year, but am grateful for what we gave. Praying for us all!
As a child, I could roam the neighborhood from morning to night unsupervised. When I raised my children they had less freedom. Now children are not allowed to leave the house alone. I seldom see children playing outside and riding bikes.
I'm a single older woman and I'm not going to quit living as I always have. This may change in the future but I'm not going to live in fear. That being said, I live in a small town and there isn't much crime at the present.
I always shopped for my family, my dad and my aunt. A nurse of mine has seven children. My friend across the way is now shopping for her mom, sister and aunt. People need to mind their business. We have to go home and separate and deliver. I don't have time for haters.
Hey Patara 👋 I figured Id share my canning experience today. I canned 25 lbs of tomatoes, mostly pasta and pizza sauces. 14 lbs of my lemon cucumbers and few jars of rhubarb bbq sause. I feel productive 😌 as always thanks for the encouragement 🙏
I'm one of those that has no options but to go by myself but I only go out maybe once every 4 to 8 weeks. I also subscribe to situational awareness... I watch people.
I'm in that situation too. I go as early in the day as possible, and I'm very vigilant and aware. I usually only shop a couple of times a month, and have as much delivered to my door as possible.
Remember the magic number in a crisis is a team of 3. Two to take care of business or the task and one to watch they safely conclude the task and return to their car. Trust me on this. This practice has saved the situation and changed the outcome on several occasions.
I would like to add, be mindful of where you park, so when you get out into the parking lot, you are focused. Honestly, the other day, I was distracted and could not find my car, so embarrassing and all I could think of was. I am making myself a target! Great topic, thank you both for taking time today.
Thank you for getting this out there. We live in a fairly rural, agricultural part of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland and have never felt really unsafe....until now. Last Friday night, my teen daughter gets a text from her friend that she just spent two hours with police because some guy tried to make her leave Walmart--WALMART- with him. This girl is 18 yrs old and was shopping with her parents for her first year in college this fall. She had walked to a different department for a few minutes when he grabbed her and tried to make her leave with him. Police said this guy is a suspected human trafficker! Thank goodness she fought back, got away from him and back to her mom. Please, please be careful and watch your back. Dark times we are living in. Take care of yourselves and each other.
I'm down in Fairmount. Thanks for the warning. I don't like the Fruit land Walmart. Always gives me the willies. I know Walmart in Salisbury has better selection, but all things being equal, I'll go to the one in Pocomoke.
@@kempfreehold9450 If enough people contact the store manager and corporate and tell them both you won't shop there because you don't feel safe there, they might take actions to improve security. Corporations only do something when they realize they are losing customer traffic and therefore, profit.
And always, ALWAYS watch your young children. Never leave them alone for an instant, even in a shopping cart. My son has a rule that one (adult) hand is always on the shopping cart handle. Blessings to all. Stay safe.
When my kids were little, if I needed to focus on an item while shopping I would hold on to my baby’s foot while doing so. That way no one could snatch my kid because I was distracted.
Yes! A few years ago when my youngest was 1, I was loading groceries into the car at night. A kind man stopped his car in the parking lot and offered to put my cart back for me. I still had a hand on the cart when he started walking off with it and my son still in it. I was able to grab the cart with both hands to stop him, and look him straight in the eyes as I got my son out. Really shook me.
Thank you!! I just mentioned to my husband, who is clueless, that I was starting to feel uneasy coming out of BJ's wholesale with a full cart. He rolled his eyes and did his snort...like I'm overreacting. So...thank you!
Unfortunately I don't have anyone to shop with. Having been on my on for many years, I have developed many habits for safety. Time of day, location and being alert to people around me. Hopefully this will be enough.🙏
Well stated. In real life, especially today not everyone is married or have a significant other. We have many older seniors in our community. So stay safe
Maybe you have a friend you can team up with. My husband and his friends carpool to the gulf course and settle(drink and add score cards). Carpool assures Designated Drivers are assigned.
@@faith1165 you are not alone. Many people across America are solo, some with children others are childfree. I have seen the research on the changing face of America. Stay healthy and safe
I’ve had people make comments, saying wow you must be feeding an army! Never mind that I was stocking up for a month since we live far from the stores. But that was in 2020, and even then I laughed it off and said “oh these canned goods are for the food bank”. As time has gone on, and things are crazier every week, I try to stock up a couple times a month/consolidate errands on a certain day but split it between stores. And never go alone, and that includes me alone with my young kids.
@@destacia8 I think you are the one who told me to tell people asking about my cart that I buy for a food bank a while back....I say that now and they leave me alone. Thank you for the advice.
Thanks Patera and James for all you do in keeping us informed of certain situations. I live in Ohio and very thankful we have open carry, I don't leave home without my handgun. Believe me I get weird looks, but I will be safe. Just like the good Samaritan in Indiana, he saved a lot of lives that otherwise probably would of died. Watch your 6 ppl.
I'm chiming in with my situation just in case you haven't thought of this. I have mobility issues, so I do almost alllll of my grocery shopping with Walmart grocery pickup. The clerks who load the car trunk are usually teens who couldn't care less what I am buying. I have a long driveway so no one sees what I unload. Walmart has a big record of my purchases, but no ordinary folks have any idea of what is in my trunk! Maybe some of your peeps can take this as an idea to use. Love you, Patara and James!
I always do Walmart pickups...started because of convenience, but now (in these times) realize it is also much safer. Also, have noticed that they now have 2 men go out together to each car, where it was usually women.
I have stopped shopping after dark, became terrified in the Walmart parking lot when a carload of young men began heckling and another carload pulled up next to me as close as they could get. I won’t do that again
I just got back from Sam's, when we started to leave I ask the wife if she noticed the people there shopping. It seemed that probably 3/4 of the shoppers looked really angry or stressed
Watch your transional spaces like getting in and out of you car driveway ect. NEVER go with someone to a second location, even with a gun to you head. If you go elsewhere you will very likely die. Its better to die right there than to be found after the animals have their way.... Don't go, fight to the death but don't go. L.E. of ten years, here. Please don't go.
That has also happened multiple times to me, in NH. I have had Karen’s grilling me at Lowes on buckets, the Petro station filling 6 diesel tanks (for my truck and tractor), and at both Sam’s & Walmart for taking more than 1 of something. It is definitely getting annoying! We have been blessed with 4 sons and they eat, as do my chickens. People are very 😡.
Yesterday was the first time out to Aldi that we felt that things were uncomfortably different. The store was strangely empty and people were very solemn. Wives trying to shop, husbands saying put that back. Prices had doubled from two weeks ago on some items. Hubby has a tendency to leave the back hatch up while he returns the cart and I need to tell him to stop that because it would be easy for anyone to just grab grocery bags and run.
Everyone needs to protect. Be careful walking to and from your car. Do not park next to any vans. Shop during the day if you can. Night time shopping be careful to park near lights. Shop with someone else. Stop looking at the ground instead of checking out your surroundings. If you feel uncomfortable going out to the lot, page the manager to walk you, or have them send a security person with you. Never suppress any feelings of uneasiness. Never. You have those senses for a reason.
I don't shop alone... Ever! Most of the time we have our groceries delivered, and even at that my husband is the one who goes to the door to greet the delivery person and bring the groceries into the house! We're trying to be as wise as possible!
I also have started to look around before I get out of my car, on my drive home, and then once I’m home, I close my garage door, before I get out of my vehicle and begin unloading it.
A certain thing many people that were so sure they had to get,is now causing neurological and personality changes in these people ,especially those who took more !
bullshit, it had nothing to do with that.. it has everything in the world to do with little to no healthcare and mental care for nutcases and the GOPers that wanna put a gun in everyone's hands, including theirs.
I agree. When I am alone, I ask for carry out. I think the cassier is suprised that someone needs carry out anymore. BUT, they called a young man up and he was very nice to help me.
I’ve developed such a big people phobia over the last two years to the point that I prepare for scenarios when I leave home. The phobia came from the way people became so divisive over a virus. It was uncomfortable to leave home with how people would act. Aggressive anger, but lately, I haven’t seen anything when I do go out, except what looks like denial.
Huge lines in Texas at sale barns as farmers and ranchers sell off their herds. Trucks with cattle trailers in a 3 mile long line in East TX, waiting to off load their cattle. Sale went all day and didn't end until 5:00am the next morning!
I'm in central Texas, and the sale earlier this week took 21 hours straight. They had to sell their livestock before they died in the heat - it is a no win, all the way around.
I'm 70 and shop alone, however, I shop online, have many things delivered and do pickup at Walmart (was doing this well before C), Aldi, Lowes, TSC (which they started after C) and they bring it out to the car, always do it on a weekday, in the morning and I live on a dirt road, rural acreage, so it would be very easy to tell if someone was following me. I've never liked going into the stores, and thankfully inherited a look and disposition that I got from my aunt, who was a bouncer in bars back in the 1940's, I also carry. It's a 50-mile round trip to the closest "big" city of 10k people, so I always plan them. My local DG and FD are rural, so I do go in there, however, I never buy in bulk from them.
I order most all of my groceries online and then do an IN THE CAR PICK UP of my order at a set time. I know Walmart, SAMs and Kroger do it and I am sure others do as well. I do not enjoy taking a buggy and walking the isles any more. The world has changed and it is time for us to be smarter and change with it to be safe out there. I also take my dog in the car with me. A dog will make folks think twice before messing with you and of course, if it is your thought or belief, arm yourself as well. Georgia is a right to carry state, but even before that, I had a carry permit. I know that is not the answer for everyone, but it is a huge consideration these days. BE SAFE OUT THERE! Thank you for making this video and helping people think.... it is an excellent one....
Howdy neighbor! I'm out here in GA too! I love it-but lately all the little towns around my little town are getting more and more people, and not all of them seem nice. I'm in the kind of place where you wave at the person passing you on the road while you're driving-and I don't get a lot of waves anymore. It's kind of sad, but yeah, we have to carry now just for our peace of mind. Anywho just saying hey!
My mall is Greenwood Park mall. I am leery of going there now. We have another small mall in Bloomington and was school shopping and decided to go to Bloomington instead of Greenwood on Sunday. God was with us for us to make that decision!! Def won’t be going alone now for sure. People are getting crazier by the day!! Protect yourself people.
I feel so blessed to live in this small, boring town during this period in time. Everyone pls be safe 🌺 And be aware of your surroundings at all times.
I was out doing some running on my own this morning. We are in Iowa , most people out were 50 plus. I watched everything and the people seemed fine. This was between 10 am and Noon. The cashiers seemd surprised when I told them to have a good day.
I do go shopping alone, but I pray and be try to be a light. I also smile at people who look at me, it diffuses a lot of people. In fact it throws them off balance. Situational awareness is a skill worth pursuing every day. But we cannot become as scared and unkind as the world is. Being safe is important as long as we remain Christian as well... and we should always look out for others.
We have been told for years to be aware of what is going on around you when you are out and about. I see so many people, women included, that are on their phone and are absorbed more in their conversation, that it makes them an easy target.
Living in a rural community in Alberta, Canada, we have seen many crimes in our mall and Walmart parking lot. It is always women pre occupied with children or people doing the evening shopping. They are jumped for their vehicles . This started happening long before the big C moment, so I shop with either my son or hubby. I can’t imagine what this winter is going to bring as times get tougher. We already have seen so many struggles and issues dividing us and pushing us down further. I don’t see it getting easier anytime soon… until then, I keep my head low and my spirits high😉
I‘m from Germany and even here that triggers me 🤔. This week was the first time I noticed others where watching my very full card 🛒. On Monday Morning at 9 o‘clock 🙈. I have no choice to take someone with me, but I think I’ll do better two rounds with a half full card 🛒 now. Thank you for make me taking better choices, Patara 🙏.
I try to always play situational awareness games with the kids when we’re out. Trying to stress that if something looks sketchy tell someone and trust your gut.
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I was grocery shopping and a man kept talking to me and followed me. I quickly checked out, put my hand on a big man explaining the situation and asked him to take me to my car. He was so sweet. Loaded my car talking loud “ I’ll see you at home “
Very smart!! We have to be extra careful
Now that's a man who was raised right.
So very smart!
@@joycenagy3140 amen!
Genius & I absolutely loved this..
One Sunday morning, after church, my 5'2"- 76 yr old Mom walked out of Kroger with her shopping cart in what looked to be a near empty parking lot. She took her purse from her shoulder placed it in the basket and turned to put her keys in the trunk to open it. In a flash, a guy ran behind her snatched her purse and started to run towards a running/waiting car in the parking lot. My mother was FURIOUS and took off after him... The 20 something year old thief got so scared as he was turning around to see her chase him down and closing in... he accidentally dropped his cell phone, had to bend down and get it... it gave Mom just enough time to see the rear license plate on the getaway car!
The police were able to identify the car pull it over a few days later and lo and behold on the floor of the back seat was my mom's now emptied Calvin Klein purse!
She gave the purse to me because she didn't want to look at it anymore due to the ordeal... But I wear it proudly! It could have had awful consequences. She has changed her purse up to a crossbody now.
But I got to say... nobody should mess with my little firecracker Mom.
😄 Mom is a BadA#&! Sorry this happened to her, but wow, she really IS a firecracker!
My granddaughter had her wallet stolen out of her cart at Walmart. I have told her over and over to carry a cross body bag!! May work for your dear mother too.
This isn't possible on all purses..... After something similar a decade ago I started keeping a carbiner on my purse. I click the purse carbine ti the cart. That hinders dash off stuff.
@@JC-rl1vd Oh, my, I never thought of that. I'll pass that along to Mom.
Throw the purse out it’s probably covered in fentanyl
Had a man friend for over 20 years. He never kept me safe even when we were together. He always walked ahead of me. He would leave the store without telling me while I wander around looking for him. We aren't together anymore, but his huge lack of love and disrespect haunts me still.
Yup !,, I can relate !,, mine did the same thing!!
Hahah! That sounds like my husband, and he’s a retired police officer.
It used to be "Don't shop hungry." It's turning into "Don't shop alone because other people are hungry."
Wow, and yup!
I saw this on my feed today (2/27/24!!)and I thought it was recent since you have been posting about this topic in the last few days. It is still very much pertinent for today! Thank you James and Patara!!!
You're not alone in feeling unsafe. I was approached (in what I considered a menacing manner), in a Walmart parking lot, while putting my bags in my vehicle. I'm not sure what would've happened if that man had not seen the the person sitting in the vehicle parked behind me. Now I carry my concealed weapon when I shop, or my husband comes with.
I go nowhere unarmed.
Same, we shop in pairs, payday preps, Always Armed, head on swivel, carry yourself confidently, have each other's back - not only who you're with, but others around you, as well - Always be Aware, driving, walking, shopping, everything.
Also, be kind - none of us know what others are going through, just smile, be kind, but still be aware & on alert.
Always take your boom boom with you. I never leave home without it.
Carry every day and everywhere
Carry on your person , do not carry your handgun in your purse . You will not be able to get to it in time and your purse can be stolen
I walked out of the grocery store one night (unusual for me to shop at night) and 4 men were hurriedly following me. I couldn’t interpret what they were saying so I stopped, put my hand into my purse and turned towards them. They went the other way. Yes it was a bluff but it got me home safely.
Worked for me years ago in Chicago
You don't have to bluff. Give yourself options.
Yes! I had a Huge fright 2 weeks ago A Man opened up my passenger door and tried to get in! Thankfully my front seat was Full of groceries! He said oops wrong car, thought it was mine. He said his looked just like mine. After he shut the door I watched him walk across the parking lot and get into a vehicle that Looked Nothing even close to mine!! I carry pepper spray, and a huge can of hornet spray ( ohhh that stings!!) and if he had gotten closer he would have been in pain. I had let my guard down and unlocked my doors before scoping out my surroundings. Thank you Patrea for your hard work in helping us be prepared!
I think the key is being aware of surroundings. Even be watchful for other women / men that doesn't realize they is potentially being followed. Watch out for each other as well as ourselves.
I don't want any moreb
Definitely!
Exactly
@@robbikarboski6266 huh?
DESPERATE PEOPLE WILL BE ROBBING -SUPERMARKET SHOPPERS FOR FOOD.
WAIT UNTIL THE FOOD SHORTAGES COME....IN THE USA
I would like to ask everyone to please watch out for those in wheelchairs, electric carts, walkers and the elderly while they are in their cars or walking to and from stores. They become victims to thefts while out because they’re seen as easy targets. I keep my eye out for these things and will call 911 immediately and start yelling to draw attention to them. We need to have each other’s back
Also be careful you are not followed home. The elderly and handicapped are sometimes targeted because they are more likely to have prescription pain killers at home.
@@kathiewoll3908 yes you’re right!
My husband and I took our granddaughter out to eat. As we exited the restaurant there were 4 men leaning on the wall outside. As we stepped off the sidewalk they left the wall as a group and fell in behind us. My husband and I both had situational awareness and I turned around and began walking backwards while talking to my husband and granddaughter. I was prepared to defend myself and my family. I guess knowing that they had garnered more attention than they wanted they aborted their plans. Be safe everyone ❣️
Great idea, walking backwards to keep an eye on them.
Yep sounds about right
I conceal carry
May I ask what part of the country this happened in?
I also stick my hand in my purse as if I'm 'holding' something in there. Yes. I have one in there. CC.
It’s becoming a world I’m not used to living in . It’s sad , everyone be safe 🙏🏻
I agree! I often think I don’t want to live in this society.
AMEN
Stay away from Memphis
That’s how I feel since this incarnation started. 😂
But things are changing now…
@@frederickmuhlbauer9477 Oh my gosh, thank you! I have always hated going to Memphis! Sorry, Memphis, but its so scary!
We usually run errands together. I don't feel comfortable for my wife to shop alone. As they say, keep your head on a swivel. ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings. Be prepared.
Yes, situational awareness.
I always do but as Im aging my neck crackles alot when I swing my head around unfortunately for me
Love your channel ❤️
@@happypeasanthomestead344 thank you. I'm happy to hear you enjoy my videos.
@@frederickmuhlbauer9477 😅 😏 😅 .. I can relate! 😎
I highly recommend reading the book “The Gift of Fear”. Have your daughters and granddaughters read it. Put what it says into practice.This is no joke. I was mugged, but my awareness saved me and I was able to identify the perpetrator (who was on parole for assault and kidnapping), who is now in the penitentiary.
I cannot recommend it enough!!
Yes, 1000 times!
Just ordered it from my local library! Thank you for the suggestion!
i believe this book saved my life before yes read it everyone
Read and then reread! Then put into practice what you learn! Trust your gut!
I never shop alone. I always take my buddy Ruger with me. Sometimes I take Smith and Wesson as well.
Yes I love my shield.
☺️ “Peggy Sue” always goes shopping with me. 😉
I have Kaylee .380.....it pays to have friends
I take two people with me. Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson. 😉
I'm not into horoscopes but my Taurus is with me when I go to dangerous areas...
I am a widow, but If I talk to the cashier or anyone in a store I always find a way to say my husband is waiting in the car, or is in another area of the store. In the past I would never thought twice about shopping at night, but now I do not shop at night. I live in a upscale neighborhood and many residents have noticed strange cars roaming the neighborhood as if we are being cased. Alot of us have increase security around our homes and added cameras etc. When I come home from the grocery or stocking any items I pull straight in the garage and put the door down before getting out of the car so that no one sees what I am unloading and no one can get to me as I am distracted unloading the car. It is very sad how quickly things are changing.
I also mention a husband with various workers coming to the house although I am a divorced and now live alone. Not long ago the termite man was a asking some questions about my family situation which caused the instinctive side of me to be alert. Don't be chatty with workers.
@@lawriefoster5587 😳
A friend and I were talking about this today. It has made us hesitant to go "running " errands like we did before. Not living in fear. Just limiting exposure to the craziness.
Yes! Exactly!
You’re right. I try to be strategic about my shopping.
Yes 100%
Me too. I'm trying to avoid the weekends if I can. I'm trying to aim for the day after the truck.
Simple solution...CARRY
Hard to believe that there are people out there that feel it is even remotely their business as to what other people have in their shopping carts. Our society truly is made up of many people that are a few cards short of a full deck.
TOTALLY! 😳
Nah, they just took a few cards and left the deck behind!
Oh they do, I've had people stop me and ask why I have so much cat food, at the time I had 8 of those 40 can cases, plus 5 bags dry. It was to feed the rescue. Smh
many of those who got that thing ,and had the 2nd and 3rd thing,theses people are developing neurological and personality changes !
@@melodyhart2017 extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.
Why not just blame it on the rising cost of living and shortages have people stressed out?
I work in a grocery store five days a week. Trying to constantly being mindful of my surroundings. It can be nerve racking. I know when people are stressed and I try to lighten the mood. It's so hard not to get annoyed with people. I'm constantly praying for wisdom and discernment.
I take the dog up to a park in the woods, every Sunday. I used to live up there and I've been going up there two years now. Twice, I've gone up there and it's looked like a homeless camp. It just makes me uncomfortable and I go somewhere else. ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOUR GUT FEELINGS! If it doesn't feel right, leave.
I am a widow and live in a small town, I always park close to the door at places. I always look around and be observant of my surroundings! I never go anywhere after dark anymore.👍
Same here, I live in Norway, and so far we have not experienced anything like this. But, I have to go to Oslo, the big city, once or twice a month, and I have started walking instead of taking the metro or tram, in case of pick pockets or other unpleasant encounters. I feel safe in my tiny homestead in the middle of the woods.
I was at Aldi this morning and picked up my 5 cans of fruit. I hear what you are saying about safety. Always have your head on a swivel. Last week I was shopping at a supermarket and I was using a gift card my daughter gave me. It was giving the cashier a bit of a problem. The man behind me got nasty to my cashier, left our line and then came back and was very rude to her again. Some people are very impatient these days. Not me, I smile more, and am more courteous than ever, because everyone is dealing with something these days. Have a blessed day and stay safe.
I have actually been followed twice before once in walmart and once in kroger. Walmart was the worst and I actually had to put my kids all in the cart and unzip my purse with my hand on my gun bc we had a stare down, looking back I should have yelled or made a scene but once he notice I had a gun maybe in my pure he backed off and I went to get a store employee and pointed the guy out. The got on the radio and I kid you not said "code sunshine, code sunshine" ..whatever that was.
I no longer shop without my husband and only shop with the amish. No more walmart or krogers in over a yr.
I literally thought that was the day I would have to pull my gun. I'm positive he wanted to grab one of my kids!- ohio
Sure glad you were prepared but sorry you went through that. Just as an aside, one of my situational awareness tactics is to make serious eye contact with someone who I suspect may not not have the best intentions. Not staring, just long enough to make sure they know I see them and I'm aware of what they're doing.
@@afterglow6143 oh no! We had a stare down and it seemed like forever but was probably a min. But I wasn't about to take my eye off him bc I would have shot him if he tried anything. He had already went shopping and was carrying a bag already paid for. We were in the school section shopping so he was ready to grab and go and I was not about to take my eye off him!
This literally gives me chills. Terrible. So glad you carry.
Hello Miss Patara . My Mom and I were followed from Walmart a couple of weeks ago . Thankfully my Mom is a little paranoid and always watching what's going on around us ! Although I'm beginning to think that maybe she's not as paranoid as everybody says . 🤔🤷
James is so right, times are crazy right now and we just don't know what will trigger the individual near us or what their day has been.
I have been going out of my way to be nice to people. It is something that I have been more conscious of since the lockdown. Seeing people lose their minds at restaurant workers on you tube made me much more mindful of how IMPORTANT it is. That being said, I carry defense with me.
so true
@@michellebarnhill5130 It's NEVER wrong to be kind and patient, especially if you don't carry.
next time, if someone is close , walk past ur car, act like u cant find it, return to store,2ed keep ur keys in ur hand with the key between ur fingers to use as defence if need b. strike to face if person trys to touch,grab
@@txrose3809 i got a personal alarm that screams to high heaven. It’s as loud as an airplane engine. Hang them on the side of your purse or carry in your hand. Be defensive, not a victim.
James is so patient and supportive. Not many like him anymore. You one blessed lady 💕
Yeah, I wish I had a Lady like her. I need someone to protect!
@@robertslatten556 yayy she is a virtuous woman. Blessed husband.
@@Ana-ot8lm Where do I find mine?
In person. Pray on it. Online dating is a cesspool (though it can work in rare circumstances, like for us :)
@@krissynyc Pray on it? Yeah, I do. I have been. Dating sites are a cesspool of demonic activity? Yeah, it's a nightmare that I no longer care to visit. Ug!
I've noticed people following me when I shop alone. My sister has reported the same. I have also noticed a trend of people recording me with their phone when I'm at work or even at the local aquarium or theme park. Ladies, be very careful!!!
Absolutely. After losing a favorite coworker a few weeks ago, declared a suicide, but very very suspicious circumstances with no evidence of another person present...my kids carry tasers just down the road, and my oldest is required to walk his female coworkers to their cars. He's a very big, intimidating young man, but even he knows to watch his back always.
I especially said this to my two granddaughters going out of state to college: use the buddy system always. And watch your restaurant drinks if you leave the table. Be aware especially girls.
I went to Florida State University right after the Ted Bundy fiasco. We were told to always walk with a buddy or to call the university escort system...especially for night classes.
No joke !!!
My daughter doesn't feel comfortable carrying a purse gun. But we have bear spray. ( long shooting pepper spray)
@@cindyrobertson3798 None of that helps if you get drugged. There are over 250+ rape drugs and you cannot react or function.
I've found that people at the grocery store are significantly more polite between breakfast and lunch time.
I have done “payday preps” for a while. It starts to stack up pretty quickly. And I don’t look suspicious 👍🏼
Yes!!!
Another thing about doing more frequent small shopping is that you can toss it in the car and go as opposed to spending too much time trying to load the car. Load up get in your car quickly and lock those doors.
That is a new idea direction never thought of! Excellent
Plus you can swing one bag of beanie weenies at someone pretty hard and get into car fast.
@@diyqueen5812 or cans of something!
There are many of us who have no other option than to shop alone. I had not been to WM in almost a month but had several things I needed to get not found a grocery type stores. I did my non-grocery shopping first and moved over to the grocery side. As I was walking down an isle, I heard someone saying ma'am, ma'am. A man was approaching me and I guess he sensed my caution. He was asking if I could buy he and his girlfriend some snacks. I told him I was shopping for someone else and couldn't add in anything extra. As I moved throughout the grocery section, I began really watching and turns out there were several individuals running this hustle on various customers. As I was heading to the checkout, I saw all four of the men together. Head on a swivel folks. Talked to the man checking receipts at the door and he got a young man working there to walk out to the car with me.
You handled that VERY well!
Walmart will add anything in the store to your pickup grocery order. I do this all the time and have for yrs.
Scary 😳
Our Fed Ex guy asked my husband what was in a box! What??? It was our shade cloth and absolutely NONE of his beeswax!!
East Central Ohio and I'm still planting seed, beets, turnips, squash. There is still food to grow folks, don't quit trying.
Just planted cucumber, pumpkins and gonna do squash too now that you've reminded me 🤩
Carrots do well in the fall too!
Carrots do well in the fall too!
I harvested my potatoes and started working on a second round. I have one sprouted potato from my first harvest that goes in the potato set up tonight. In September, I have a plan to get another round of cold weather crops in the ground. I harvested onions and replanted those already. I have to get as many as I can before winter comes.
Hi, any particular sort of beet? Was thinking it was too hot to plant those now, but I've been wrong before! Thanks
I had a very close kidnapping or human trafficking call in the Walmart closest to me a year and a half ago. I have not stepped foot into that place since. I will not. The world is not the way it once was and it is so scary for our daughters in particular.
Oh my.goodness... I am so sorry. What happened, only if you don't mind me asking? About 4 years ago, my husband and I were staying at a motel 6 for his work one week and I had a close call myself there one night.
When I was a little girl my grandma would always pretend grandpa was in the car while we were walking out of the stores, and she only went out during the day. I thought it was funny as a kid, but as I became a adult/mom it started making sense. Be safe, be aware!
I have no choice but to go alone so I pretend talk on my cell phone as if my spouse is waiting in the parking lot, "I'm on my way to the car now honey."
@@pauladavis7400 smart!!
I usually have to go alone unless I’m grocery shopping somebody takes me to the grocery store. I usually have to walk to the store I usually go during the day.
What a great idea!!
I was just discussing this with my husband today. Times are different and more violent. I had a dentist appointment today and was close to BJs so I thought I would stop and pick up some more canned fruit for my pantry. I was very cautious and observant in the parking lot. I never used to worry about it before. I’m 65 and I feel like my gray hair makes me a target. Scary times we are in. I love your videos Patera. I grew up on a farm and get what you are saying about costs of things and the importance of being prepared.
Our Father goes before us.
God bless everyone.
I've seen a couple instances where people get so aggravated in the stores. I've also seen one of the stores I used to shop at have a lot of older teens hanging out at the doors, rough housing and shoving. I just crank my car back up and go elsewhere. Also I usually have maybe 2 or 3 bags light enough to carry. I make sure to have a can of something in each bag. Those bags can be a weapon when swung. Especially with a can in it.
Yup. My purse can be a weapon too.
Great idea!
Nice idea! 💪🏻
@@samename6479 I never carry a purse. If it doesn't fit in my pocket I don't need it. Lol
Excellent reason to use cloth/reusable style bags.
The less populated areas are still hospitable. People have been craving social interaction with sane people. A smile goes a mile!
Absolutely, a nice smile goes a long way!
Absolutely. I couldn't imagine NOT talking to folks at my local Walmart. Folks are still friendly in SW Arkansas.
I consider it a joy to have a grocery store conversation these days. They are so few and far between.
Small towns where we all know/recognize one another is a natural safety zone - it's when we leave that zone for bigger areas that we need to be on guard.
Exactly! Make eye contact, speak, smile. If they're friendly it's great, smile back. If they're shady, it throws them off because you act like you recognize them.
One thing I learned years ago in my CCW class....Make sure to have a strong demeanor, look confident and aware of your surroundings. I don't have people bother me when I am shopping.
My dear, I’m an older woman alone. My husband died in 2019, haven’t any children and most of my friends are gone too. Have had negative looks.
Since I go out rarely; I’m stocking up.
I’m in agreement with you. It’s great advice. Love the HONESTY!
Me too love,completely alone.
May I suggest taking advantage of buy online and pick up in front of store. Or have it delivered.
There are alot of us that have no choice but shop alone. All I can do is pray and go.
I don't know if you have a church that you attend but that could be a great place to create friendships and a buddy system for shopping.
Same hear, very much alone.
Societal degradation is happening at an exponential rate. Not just here in America. Canada is collapsing, most countries in the European Union are in trouble, real trouble. You are correct Ms. Ma'am and Mr. James. When all is said and done all you have is yourself. Get a gun, learn to shoot but more over learn to be proficient with that firearm. Get some bear spray, not just pepper spray ladies. As a 54-year-old retired military man who is a single father to a precious 6-year-old girl (going on 20), I fear not for me, everything I do is for her. I am blessed to live in a rural community an hour from Branson Missouri. The craziness has yet to infiltrate this area. But it will come, make no mistake about it. Keep watching this channel. Do the research on how this world in absolute decay. Stay alert, stay vigilant and most of all, pray!
Thank you so much for your service. 🙂
It’s dangerous now! Hi James!! Good to see you two!!! Glad she has you to rely on!! I don’t even shake my head when cut off in traffic or whatever! Just let them go. They may be at the end of their rope and you may be the last straw!!!!! Be careful out there everyone! God bless!!!
What’s so dangerous???
@@jking309 life in general! Strange men accosting you in parking lots! People knocking on doors and checking out your yard! People walking out of store with full carts of food and bypassing the checkout line! Road rage! The first event happened to me personally! The rest happened to people in my city which is very small! You would never think this type of incident could occur in this town!! Life is dangerous! And becoming more so every day!! Praying for the world!
Road rage is a very real and present danger! So many people are entitled and angry.
@@jking309 We live in a relatively small southern town. There were two separate shootings between customers at two different gas stations within one week.
Yes, great advice!
Unfortunately, some of us don’t have a choice. Pray for us. ☺️
I’m already accustomed to not going out alone. I live in meth central so every time you go out, you come into contact with at least a handful of completely unhinged, possibly violent, mentally unstable people. And I have three children with me in tow wherever I go. My husband is a trooper, he works manual labor all day and then takes us out shopping if it’s not too late to go to the store.
The drug use seems to be getting worse all over. I live in a small community and try to be kind to everyone, but some people can't be trusted.
where I ive theres 6 of us not on meth or pills out of 30 folks
We are a military family and I’ve had different experiences in different locations over the last 2 years. Last year I had 2 people make comments to me, at the local grocery stores, “that my cart was full” or “my, you have a lot of groceries.” I smiled and said I sure do…. And I went on about my business. People shop differently and we were in a town that most people could walk to the stores or restaurants. We grocery shop every 3 to 4 weeks and cook at home. I guess some feel the need to be judgmental and out spoken, instead of minding their business. From that point on, we now go together. I told my husband that folks were mistaken my southern sweetness for a weakness. 😂🤷♀️
I just smile and tell them it takes a lot of groceries to feed 8 kids!
Yes please educate your older children about what is going on so they can stay alert!! Great video ❤️
Agreed, I work on a college campus and I am surprised how many of my students have not been taught some of these basic life skills at home. So, I am letting them know what I can without stepping on their families beliefs.
I'm always thrilled now that my husband in on board prepping we went last last night I only wanted rice but my husband want to really stock canned meat I always thank him for prepping with me
@ Sophia Grace..my hubby has just gotten on board with my prepping....I have been going non stop. He has always had a garden except for 2020 and 2021.....well he did have a small one last winter. I've always put up whatever he harvests. I have been stocking up and now am pressure canning and freezing foods. Am so very thankful that our sin also puts food up. Am trying to put up enough for our daughter and her family since she's unable to do so right now. Our garden hasn't done so well this year, but am grateful for what we gave. Praying for us all!
So sad that we even have to think about things like this in the country we live in 😢.
This IS the country we live in now. Remember at the polls.
@@eledhwenmare2403 I wish that it were that simple. So much anymore, it's just two sides of the same coin... 😢🙏😢
As a child, I could roam the neighborhood from morning to night unsupervised. When I raised my children they had less freedom. Now children are not allowed to leave the house alone. I seldom see children playing outside and riding bikes.
Listning to Patara I found myself thinking that the same safety rules are set for the Latin America's countries.
I'm a single older woman and I'm not going to quit living as I always have. This may change in the future but I'm not going to live in fear. That being said, I live in a small town and there isn't much crime at the present.
Me also, however i have a stun gun and pepper spray .
I always shopped for my family, my dad and my aunt. A nurse of mine has seven children. My friend across the way is now shopping for her mom, sister and aunt. People need to mind their business. We have to go home and separate and deliver. I don't have time for haters.
Hey Patara 👋 I figured Id share my canning experience today. I canned 25 lbs of tomatoes, mostly pasta and pizza sauces. 14 lbs of my lemon cucumbers and few jars of rhubarb bbq sause. I feel productive 😌 as always thanks for the encouragement 🙏
I'm one of those that has no options but to go by myself but I only go out maybe once every 4 to 8 weeks. I also subscribe to situational awareness... I watch people.
I too have no other option but to go out alone, I take my little dog with me everywhere I go. I also go as early in the day as I can.
I'm in the same situation. It's scary.
I'm in that situation too. I go as early in the day as possible, and I'm very vigilant and aware. I usually only shop a couple of times a month, and have as much delivered to my door as possible.
@@cjhoward409 excellent advice
I feel like a sinner saying this....but go shopping on Sunday morning before or after Mass. Druggies are not out then either
..lol
I put up 7 quarts of dill spears and 7 pints of dill slices today! All cukes from my garden! Woohoo
I park upfront- shop early and now carry safety
Shopping early is the best. I do the same thing. Early morning, NEVER LATE
Remember the magic number in a crisis is a team of 3. Two to take care of business or the task and one to watch they safely conclude the task and return to their car. Trust me on this. This practice has saved the situation and changed the outcome on several occasions.
I would like to add, be mindful of where you park, so when you get out into the parking lot, you are focused. Honestly, the other day, I was distracted and could not find my car, so embarrassing and all I could think of was. I am making myself a target! Great topic, thank you both for taking time today.
Thank you for getting this out there. We live in a fairly rural, agricultural part of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland and have never felt really unsafe....until now. Last Friday night, my teen daughter gets a text from her friend that she just spent two hours with police because some guy tried to make her leave Walmart--WALMART- with him. This girl is 18 yrs old and was shopping with her parents for her first year in college this fall. She had walked to a different department for a few minutes when he grabbed her and tried to make her leave with him. Police said this guy is a suspected human trafficker! Thank goodness she fought back, got away from him and back to her mom. Please, please be careful and watch your back. Dark times we are living in. Take care of yourselves and each other.
And they come down I-95 and US 301
I live here to. Times are getting scary.
@@lindamcintyre1606 Fruitland Walmart--it really freaked me out. I refuse to let my teens, especially my daughter, go anywhere alone.
I'm down in Fairmount. Thanks for the warning. I don't like the Fruit land Walmart. Always gives me the willies.
I know Walmart in Salisbury has better selection, but all things being equal, I'll go to the one in Pocomoke.
@@kempfreehold9450 If enough people contact the store manager and corporate and tell them both you won't shop there because you don't feel safe there, they might take actions to improve security. Corporations only do something when they realize they are losing customer traffic and therefore, profit.
And always, ALWAYS watch your young children. Never leave them alone for an instant, even in a shopping cart. My son has a rule that one (adult) hand is always on the shopping cart handle. Blessings to all. Stay safe.
When my kids were little, if I needed to focus on an item while shopping I would hold on to my baby’s foot while doing so. That way no one could snatch my kid because I was distracted.
Yes! A few years ago when my youngest was 1, I was loading groceries into the car at night. A kind man stopped his car in the parking lot and offered to put my cart back for me. I still had a hand on the cart when he started walking off with it and my son still in it. I was able to grab the cart with both hands to stop him, and look him straight in the eyes as I got my son out. Really shook me.
@@karenholsopple6388 That is so frightening!
Thank you!! I just mentioned to my husband, who is clueless, that I was starting to feel uneasy coming out of BJ's wholesale with a full cart. He rolled his eyes and did his snort...like I'm overreacting. So...thank you!
BTW I'm not even prepping shopping, I'm just stocking up for a few weeks as there are five of us in my household.
Unfortunately I don't have anyone to shop with. Having been on my on for many years, I have developed many habits for safety. Time of day, location and being alert to people around me. Hopefully this will be enough.🙏
Same here 👍
Well stated. In real life, especially today not everyone is married or have a significant other. We have many older seniors in our community. So stay safe
Maybe you have a friend you can team up with.
My husband and his friends carpool to the gulf course and settle(drink and add score cards).
Carpool assures Designated Drivers are assigned.
Same situation here. 🙏❤️🇺🇸
@@faith1165 you are not alone. Many people across America are solo, some with children others are childfree. I have seen the research on the changing face of America. Stay healthy and safe
I can't imagine questioning someone about what they have in their shopping basket ... Unreal! Great information you are sharing. Many thanks.
I’ve had people make comments, saying wow you must be feeding an army! Never mind that I was stocking up for a month since we live far from the stores. But that was in 2020, and even then I laughed it off and said “oh these canned goods are for the food bank”. As time has gone on, and things are crazier every week, I try to stock up a couple times a month/consolidate errands on a certain day but split it between stores. And never go alone, and that includes me alone with my young kids.
@@destacia8 I think you are the one who told me to tell people asking about my cart that I buy for a food bank a while back....I say that now and they leave me alone. Thank you for the advice.
Make sure the gas nozzle you're using is the one attached to your side of the pump your paying for.
We need to UNITE and FAST and PRAY 🙏 for America and the World 🌎
Thanks Patera and James for all you do in keeping us informed of certain situations. I live in Ohio and very thankful we have open carry, I don't leave home without my handgun. Believe me I get weird looks, but I will be safe. Just like the good Samaritan in Indiana, he saved a lot of lives that otherwise probably would of died. Watch your 6 ppl.
Yep. Blessed to be in Ohio.. Open carry ...
Thank you 🙏
From OH live in OK now. Thankful for constitutional carry. Glad my dad goes with my mom to get groceries now too.
Amen to that! I live in the town of the mall shooting and it has opened my eyes even more to the evil lurking around. Head on a swivel!
@@daniellepatten6670 🥺 so sorry for your community. Glad that young man had such steely nerve!
It’s critical to be prepared but, not scared! Safety in numbers.
Things are getting rough out there. I never go without my CC. Stay safe and God Bless.
Concealed carry
@@paulamaguire7547 Conceal/Carry, would be my guess. I doubt they're talking about a credit card... lol
@@Prepping-for-Heaven don't leave home without it!
My two friends, Smith and Wesson always go with me! But, YES, I still avoid going anywhere by myself.
I have the same two friends!
And Mr. Colt! :)
I'm chiming in with my situation just in case you haven't thought of this. I have mobility issues, so I do almost alllll of my grocery shopping with Walmart grocery pickup. The clerks who load the car trunk are usually teens who couldn't care less what I am buying. I have a long driveway so no one sees what I unload. Walmart has a big record of my purchases, but no ordinary folks have any idea of what is in my trunk! Maybe some of your peeps can take this as an idea to use. Love you, Patara and James!
I always do Walmart pickups...started because of convenience, but now (in these times) realize it is also much safer. Also, have noticed that they now have 2 men go out together to each car, where it was usually women.
@@rhondapearce5508 Yes! I've noticed that as well.
I do grocery pick up frequently. Safer, avoids impulse purchasing and way faster
I tried that - they tend to select inferior products - dented cans, pushed-in boxes.
@@rhondapearce5508 I have noticed that as well, now that you mention it.
I have stopped shopping after dark, became terrified in the Walmart parking lot when a carload of young men began heckling and another carload pulled up next to me as close as they could get. I won’t do that again
O my, that's scary!!!
I just got back from Sam's, when we started to leave I ask the wife if she noticed the people there shopping. It seemed that probably 3/4 of the shoppers looked really angry or stressed
I have noticed that too but with prices being so ridiculous it's no wonder people are stressed and angry.
Watch your transional spaces like getting in and out of you car driveway ect. NEVER go with someone to a second location, even with a gun to you head.
If you go elsewhere you will very likely die.
Its better to die right there than to be found after the animals have their way....
Don't go, fight to the death but don't go.
L.E. of ten years, here.
Please don't go.
That has also happened multiple times to me, in NH. I have had Karen’s grilling me at Lowes on buckets, the Petro station filling 6 diesel tanks (for my truck and tractor), and at both Sam’s & Walmart for taking more than 1 of something. It is definitely getting annoying! We have been blessed with 4 sons and they eat, as do my chickens. People are very 😡.
Yesterday was the first time out to Aldi that we felt that things were uncomfortably different. The store was strangely empty and people were very solemn. Wives trying to shop, husbands saying put that back. Prices had doubled from two weeks ago on some items. Hubby has a tendency to leave the back hatch up while he returns the cart and I need to tell him to stop that because it would be easy for anyone to just grab grocery bags and run.
Yes, and lock your doors immediately - not after you start the car.
Wow, I have always locked the car when I out trolley back even if it's just a few car parking spaces to the trolley bay.
Everyone needs to protect. Be careful walking to and from your car. Do not park next to any vans. Shop during the day if you can. Night time shopping be careful to park near lights. Shop with someone else. Stop looking at the ground instead of checking out your surroundings. If you feel uncomfortable going out to the lot, page the manager to walk you, or have them send a security person with you. Never suppress any feelings of uneasiness. Never. You have those senses for a reason.
I have no choice. I live alone and don’t have friends out here. So there’s that. I go during the day.
I don't shop alone... Ever! Most of the time we have our groceries delivered, and even at that my husband is the one who goes to the door to greet the delivery person and bring the groceries into the house! We're trying to be as wise as possible!
Happy Birthday James🎂
Dangerous times. Keep your mags full & one in the pipe.
I also have started to look around before I get out of my car, on my drive home, and then once I’m home, I close my garage door, before I get out of my vehicle and begin unloading it.
A certain thing many people that were so sure they had to get,is now causing neurological and personality changes in these people ,especially those who took more !
🎯 💯 👏👏
bullshit, it had nothing to do with that.. it has everything in the world to do with little to no healthcare and mental care for nutcases and the GOPers that wanna put a gun in everyone's hands, including theirs.
I agree. When I am alone, I ask for carry out. I think the cassier is suprised that someone needs carry out anymore. BUT, they called a young man up and he was very nice to help me.
I’ve developed such a big people phobia over the last two years to the point that I prepare for scenarios when I leave home. The phobia came from the way people became so divisive over a virus. It was uncomfortable to leave home with how people would act. Aggressive anger, but lately, I haven’t seen anything when I do go out, except what looks like denial.
Agree!
Huge lines in Texas at sale barns as farmers and ranchers sell off their herds. Trucks with cattle trailers in a 3 mile long line in East TX, waiting to off load their cattle. Sale went all day and didn't end until 5:00am the next morning!
Now, that just makes me cry!!!!
I'm in central Texas, and the sale earlier this week took 21 hours straight. They had to sell their livestock before they died in the heat - it is a no win, all the way around.
I'm 70 and shop alone, however, I shop online, have many things delivered and do pickup at Walmart (was doing this well before C), Aldi, Lowes, TSC (which they started after C) and they bring it out to the car, always do it on a weekday, in the morning and I live on a dirt road, rural acreage, so it would be very easy to tell if someone was following me. I've never liked going into the stores, and thankfully inherited a look and disposition that I got from my aunt, who was a bouncer in bars back in the 1940's, I also carry. It's a 50-mile round trip to the closest "big" city of 10k people, so I always plan them. My local DG and FD are rural, so I do go in there, however, I never buy in bulk from them.
I order most all of my groceries online and then do an IN THE CAR PICK UP of my order at a set time. I know Walmart, SAMs and Kroger do it and I am sure others do as well. I do not enjoy taking a buggy and walking the isles any more. The world has changed and it is time for us to be smarter and change with it to be safe out there. I also take my dog in the car with me. A dog will make folks think twice before messing with you and of course, if it is your thought or belief, arm yourself as well. Georgia is a right to carry state, but even before that, I had a carry permit. I know that is not the answer for everyone, but it is a huge consideration these days. BE SAFE OUT THERE! Thank you for making this video and helping people think.... it is an excellent one....
Howdy neighbor! I'm out here in GA too! I love it-but lately all the little towns around my little town are getting more and more people, and not all of them seem nice. I'm in the kind of place where you wave at the person passing you on the road while you're driving-and I don't get a lot of waves anymore. It's kind of sad, but yeah, we have to carry now just for our peace of mind. Anywho just saying hey!
My mall is Greenwood Park mall. I am leery of going there now. We have another small mall in Bloomington and was school shopping and decided to go to Bloomington instead of Greenwood on Sunday. God was with us for us to make that decision!! Def won’t be going alone now for sure. People are getting crazier by the day!! Protect yourself people.
I feel so blessed to live in this small, boring town during this period in time. Everyone pls be safe 🌺 And be aware of your surroundings at all times.
I was out doing some running on my own this morning. We are in Iowa , most people out were 50 plus. I watched everything and the people seemed fine. This was between 10 am and Noon. The cashiers seemd surprised when I told them to have a good day.
I am in Iowa City no issues..
I do go shopping alone, but I pray and be try to be a light. I also smile at people who look at me, it diffuses a lot of people. In fact it throws them off balance. Situational awareness is a skill worth pursuing every day. But we cannot become as scared and unkind as the world is. Being safe is important as long as we remain Christian as well... and we should always look out for others.
Yes, just be aware of your surroundings and if you are able carry.
Smiling at a deranged person...will get you a stalker or someone looking for a "gentle soul" ...TO MUG!
Having a driver is wonderful as it frees you up to reload 😁👍!
We have been told for years to be aware of what is going on around you when you are out and about. I see so many people, women included, that are on their phone and are absorbed more in their conversation, that it makes them an easy target.
Well said!
Being safe, is never silly.
I will not let my daughter go out alone.
I saw an abusive dad at the Waterpark. Can’t believe people are so anxiety ridden to take it out on their kids. I was heartbroken.
Living in a rural community in Alberta, Canada, we have seen many crimes in our mall and Walmart parking lot. It is always women pre occupied with children or people doing the evening shopping. They are jumped for their vehicles . This started happening long before the big C moment, so I shop with either my son or hubby. I can’t imagine what this winter is going to bring as times get tougher. We already have seen so many struggles and issues dividing us and pushing us down further. I don’t see it getting easier anytime soon… until then, I keep my head low and my spirits high😉
We are Canadians in rural Ontario and have relatives in urban Alberta. No right to carry arms here, even for a retired military family.
Hello from Saskatchewan! Things are tight here as well. But we have always had our crazies
Sorry, "the big C" is already taken. You cannot use it to refer to the coof.
I‘m from Germany and even here that triggers me 🤔. This week was the first time I noticed others where watching my very full card 🛒. On Monday Morning at 9 o‘clock 🙈. I have no choice to take someone with me, but I think I’ll do better two rounds with a half full card 🛒 now. Thank you for make me taking better choices, Patara 🙏.
I try to always play situational awareness games with the kids when we’re out. Trying to stress that if something looks sketchy tell someone and trust your gut.
I need to start doing this with my son. Thanks for the idea.
I dont go anywhere without my husband. I am 5'1 and an easy target. My hubby is 6'2" 250lbs and always carries🥰