A Tribute to Dad!

Today will be a rough day…. we say good bye to my Dad, Robert Milfred Heldreth (aka Milfred Lee or Bob).  I’ve gone back and forth trying to decide what to write.  I have decided to be true to sharing my strengths, hopes and experiences with my readers.

Dad was born in El Monte, CA, as Milfred Lee Heldreth (otherwise known as Bob) where he joined the Army when he was 15.  Of course he had to change his birth certificate so he could serve his country. He served for 7 years and was a member of A Troop 66th Squadron 6th Regiment serving in Dergendorf, Germany for two years.  Dad told this story often but the reality hit when we found the “corrected” discharge papers from the Army.

He loved working with his hands and held a variety of jobs – a real “jack of all trades”. He was always building something.  He changed our garage into a family room.  He built a deck off the house.  He even built a trailer which we used when we traveled cross country.  And then there was the endless hours spent working on cars.  He bought my first car and spray painted it blue for me.  I was not initially happy with it because it was a stick shift BUT I learned to love it.  He taught me how to change a tire, and check my oil so when Belinda got her license they were things I taught her before she could go out on her own driving.  His garage and his tools are a true testament to his love of fixing things. Dad’s jobs came with perks…. being the manager of the Monmouth Bottle Shop got us a trip to Acapulco when I was 13 years old.

He was a ham radio operator with the call letters WA2IAE. He loved connecting with people all across the world and being able to help others. Many of my school projects were done with the help of dad’s connections.  Postcards and items from across the country were always good for bonus points.

Dad was loving and kind, nonjudgmental and accepting. Yes, there were tough times with  years of anger and hurt when my parents divorced.  Dad was not perfect.  He admitted his faults, and even with memories of bad times, I forgave him.  No matter how bad a situation was, he always found the silver lining and worked through it.

Dad loved to tell stories which always left us wondering if they were true or just a tall tale.  Did he really eat bugs as a kid growing up?  He shared many stories with my daughter who as a child was always ready to share them with her classmates.  Of course, the teachers sometimes wondered if they were true too.He leaves a legacy filled with memories for his family and friends. Dad liked to cook especially on the grill.  Didn’t matter if there was snow or rain, he found a way to grill.  He was best known for his mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving – no lumps.  Despite our best efforts, none of us have ever gotten the hang to it.  Then there were his potato pancakes made with the left over mashed potatoes.  Mom and dad actually served breakfast to the entire Junior Class of OTHS after the Prom in 1974.  Yes, the entire class.

He was a Past Master of Asbury Lodge #142 F&AM, a Past Patron of Neptune Chapter #214 and a past member of the Advisory Board for Iris Assembly #31, Order of the Rainbow for Girls.

Dad taught me many lessons which have helped to mold me into the person I am today.  I love you dad!

How to Use a Key FOB

Happy Monday!

The Monday before Christmas when all through the house…..

How would you finish this sentence?  Is it the calm before the storm?  Are you on the hunt for your keys?  Are you excited to be escaping to work to avoid the mess at home?  Are you still trying to figure out what to get for people? Or are you done with holiday shopping and ready to get organized in the new year?

Today is about a simple inexpensive solution to some every day challenges…

Thirty One’s Key FOB is so much more than just a key chain.  Yes, it is perfect for your keys because you can hook them onto your purse or on a tote when you go shopping.   Or hang them on a hook when you come in the house.  Or slip it on your wrist so you don’t drop them when you are carrying lots of things. BUT have you every thought what else you could use it for?

Have you ever entered a public bathroom and there was no hook on the door for your purse?  The moment when you can’t figure out what you are going to do.  I HATE putting my bag on the floor – why not use a key fob?

Even if your keys are on the ring, you can still use it.

I know it is a little cold for the beach BUT for some it is never too early to plan (or dream of warmer weather).  Use your Key FOB to hold your beach bag up off the sand.

Do you have hair ties all over the house but can never find one when you need it?  Enter Thirty One’s Key FOB.

Going grocery shopping – child in the seat and the basket full of groceries?  Use your key fob to  hold your Essential Storage Tote or other reusable grocery bags.  Or use it to hold your purse or diaper bag.

      

Do you spend a lot of time in the car?  Ever had to stop short and your purse topples to the floor, contents all over?  I’ve had it happen more than once and occasionally something will roll under the seat and I won’t know it until I go to find it later on.  Use a key fob or two to attach your purse to the head rest to create a no spill solution.  

I love this one but it would definitely NOT work for the fur grand babies we have – they are way too big.  Walk two dogs at the same time without having two leashes to get them tangled up in.

 

One of my customer’s favorite uses for a Key FOB is as a gift for a teacher or coach.  A simple gesture to let someone know you appreciate all they do for you.

So a key fob is so much more than just a keychain.  It has a multitude of uses and here is a list of 31 uses:

What would you use your key fob for?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!