My Dad, who hates MS, gave me one of his lectures this afternoon. It took a while for him to make his point. He's always rambled off topic, but now that he's over 96; I admit I find it difficult to keep track of his train of thought.

When he was finally on point, he said a woman was raped this morning at a popular park this morning while jogging.

He jumped all over how I need to be careful & observant while shopping and even at my own home.

This time I appreciated his lecture. I reassured him that I do not endanger myself if I'm in a location that might be shady. I love Cettie, but I will never have her stamina for things that may go wrong.

I reassured my Dad by telling him I would never shop a store located in Corpus Christie ever again. I also told him I will never stop for a lavatory break at a gas station after dark ever again, which was on the way to Kingsville/Corpus. My Rotti was still alive and she was in the car for that trip. It's amazing to see how people that are up to no good back off when they see a dog in the car. Little did they know the Chihuahua, who the uglies couldn't see would've caused more damage to their bodies. My little guy is a piece of work.

Please pay attention to my long winded post and my Dad's warnings. We have all sorts of people in my area now because of Harvey. Locals don't normally lock their cars at the c-store, but we are now.

Why limit yourself to places you consider shady, whatever that may mean. @#$%& happens everywhere.

@LisaSTL wrote:

Why limit yourself to places you consider shady, whatever that may mean. @#$%& happens everywhere.

Normally, I don't if it's the right time of day. I have my key fob that will make my car make a ton of noise.

I posted to hopefully remind shoppers to be aware of their surroundings no matter where they are.

My shop in Corpus, I will never do again, was with a national big box chain. I took off for my car because it was closer than the doors to the store. My Rottweiler was in the front seat waiting for me. She was useless as a guard dog, but intimidated because of her breed. Her breed helped at the gas station the night before.

I apologize if I was stating gloom and doom. It wasn't my intention. I was only trying to reinforce to some who might take chances for very little money; that their lives are more important than the amount of money we earn in fees/bonuses and maybe reimbursed fuel.

I know for a fact, I'm worth more alive with a vehicle than a shopper who is stranded or heaven forbid in a hospital.

Lisa, I've learned so much from you in the years since I've been on this board. If you need to school me because I have overstepped; then go for it. You are one of the posters that I appreciate your commentary and respect, even when I'm on the bad news of a comment.

i wish women mostly older women would stop leaving purses on passenger seat of car when they pump gas or go to post office. i witnessed 2 attacks & im tired of having to give statements to police.

and get off damn cell phone so u can be alert to whats around u.

I think I wasn't clear. The advice is good, but should apply regardless of where we are. Letting your guard down because you think it is a safe neighborhood is a recipe for disaster.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/13/2017 02:33AM by LisaSTL.

It's a good reminder to be aware of your surroundings! You're so lucky to have such a great dad in that context.

One additional tip at gas stations, when I park my car to go into the C-store I put my cell phone out of sight, lock the door and proceed at a strong pace looking all around for possible bad guys. In addition, I have an 18: length of 5/8 inch diameter bx cable that can break a 2x4 next to the gas cans in my trunk, just in case. Good points by MSNinja about not leaving valuable in plain site in you car and from Lisa about staying alert in all areas - good & shady. Stay safe.

One other point, I keep my car keys on a carabiner which I clip to a belt loop by my right hand so I can open and lock all doors instantly without having to fumble for my keys and fish them out of out of my pocket.

@LisaSTL wrote:

I think I wasn't clear. The advice is good, but should apply regardless of where we are. Letting your guard down because you think it is a safe neighborhood is a recipe for disaster.

I'll admit we weren't on the same page. I shop iffy areas, I just choose to do them in the daylight. If that can't happen, I pass them up.

@LIJake wrote:

One other point, I keep my car keys on a carabiner which I clip to a belt loop by my right hand so I can open and lock all doors instantly without having to fumble for my keys and fish them out of out of my pocket.

I have something I believe is used for halters/leads on horses. It has 2 ends with slides to open. I used carbineers in the beginning. They didn't hold up. The thing I use can snap around a belt loop and I can add stuff to the other end with the keys. I squish my purse straps if it is necessary to make sure the keys are where I can find them at all times.

It is by far the best thing I've ever found to make my life easier. And I found it out before MS. Searching for car keys has made me bonkers for over 44 years. Do the math! HaHa! I added an extra 10 years because I always had to hunt for my parents keys before I turned 16.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 09/13/2017 05:19AM by MA Smith.

What drives me nuts is the amount of women I see who carry their purse by holding on to the straps/ handle with their hand down at their side instead of putting it over their shoulder or over their folded arm. You know how easy it is for a thief to run up behind them, yank the purse from their hand, and then keep on running? I used to scold my mom all the time because she used to do that.

@MSNinja wrote:

i wish women mostly older women would stop leaving purses on passenger seat of car when they pump gas or go to post office. i witnessed 2 attacks & im tired of having to give statements to police.

The carabiner I use is called an "S carabiner" and it has clips with springs at both ends. I use one end to hook my keys and stuff on and the other to snap over a belt loop. They come in various sizes and some can be locked closed. They only cost a couple of dollars. I got mine in the Field and Stream section of Dick's Sporting Goods but I have also seen them in Home Depot by the hardware section. Amazon would be another source.

Kimmiemae, one time I was grocery shopping and sat my purse in the cart. I was shopping with a friend and he immediately tied the strap to the cart, he told me it was what his mom always did. At the time I just wasn't even thinking but I'm more careful with my valuables now.

That's a smart friend. Good idea!

@sensei wrote:

Kimmiemae, one time I was grocery shopping and sat my purse in the cart. I was shopping with a friend and he immediately tied the strap to the cart, he told me it was what his mom always did. At the time I just wasn't even thinking but I'm more careful with my valuables now.

I am guilty of setting my purse in my grocery cart while browsing. I have been told numerous time by customers to watch my purse. I am lax but now will be aware and not so trusting.

That's what concealed carry is for.

I keep my car key onto those wrist straps key rings that you see on most retail store clerks. You know, the one that is coil shaped and worn like a bracelet with a key ring attachment. I don't put my house keys on them because it makes the key holder weighty. I taught my daughter to lock her vehicle automatically whenever she steps away from her car to go inside the convenience store. One of the members from where I worked said that they use a key fob that can easily open and close to secure their purse on the shopping cart. It's one of those long oval-shaped key fobs. Please be careful when using the cross walks. I had witness some bicyclist getting hit on a cross walk by a hit and run driver after a shop. There were several other witnesses on the scene. I happened to see the driver's face after he realized that he hit someone and made a run for it.

I wish someone would take my purse from a cart. Then, I wouldn't have to clean it out anymore. I got lucky with a jacket that has inner pockets that are the right size for personal items. Won't someone please take my messy purse? You will only get a bit of makeup and a book that could change your life along withbassorted detritus and debris. Please? Please, take my purse.

@OP: This topic is useful.Thank you.

I feel the same way about my purse. Your post cracked me up. Thank you!

@iShop123 wrote:

That's what concealed carry is for.

I have a CC -- I have a cute little 22 that can go just about anywhere on my torso unnoticed and a knife that I carry. I had a military issued can of mace for a while and that came in handy to spray a snarling dog with once... but the blow back on it was so awful. Oh, and I also used it on a goose once too. They came at me, bro.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/16/2017 03:22AM by MountainCacher88.