Pages

Friday, March 1, 2013

Korean War Veteran


My dad graduated from high school in 1949. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the Army. After he completed basic training he was shipped to Korea at the onset of the Korean War. He spent many, many days on the front  lines during the most active and brutal fighting of the war. The American soldiers and their allies were ill-equipped. It was wintertime and they didn't have proper winter clothing or supplies. He lived for days and days in a cold, snowy foxhole with his fellow comrades. During his service he received three Bronze Star Medals. The Bronze Star is an individual military award of the US Armed Forces that is awarded for acts of heroism, acts of merit, or meritorious service in a combat zone.  My dad was eventually wounded by shrapnel and was declared a disabled veteran. Dad took his service to his country very seriously. He remained a true patriot all of his life.  Over the years we heard tidbits about his time in Korea. He talked sadly about the children who were orphaned. While in Korea, Dad saw more than he could tell and he understood more than he saw. He took a lot of pictures while he was in Korea.  He defended and protected his family as fiercely as he did his fellow servicemen while serving in Korea. I salute you Dad for your service and bravery.





Sunday, February 24, 2013

Wonderful Tribute to Dad


This article appeared in our local newspaper today--a wonderful tribute to my Dad.


Last living James Dean pallbearer dies at 81

Posted: Sunday, February 24, 2013 4:00 am

By Cathy Shouse-- Marion Chronicle-Tribune




The death of Fairmount resident Robert Pulley last Sunday was not only a loss for the community but the world at large, according to local officials.
As the last living pallbearer for James Dean’s funeral, Pulley, 81, had been one of the people who helped to keep Dean’s memory alive over the decades.
Pulley and Dean both graduated in the 1949 class of Fairmount High School. After Dean’s death in 1955, Pulley found himself sharing stories of Dean’s life with fans and media members.
Gale Hikade, president of the Fairmount Historical Museum, said Pulley had a key role in the museum’s early development and in the growth of the James Dean Festival.
“There was a time when there weren’t any volunteers and someone had to take it upon themselves to do everything it took to have a museum — to be there to open, to stock the gift shop and countless other duties,” Hickade said. “Bob was that person for a number of years. He was a great ambassador for Fairmount and James Dean. I enjoyed him. He was a delight to talk to and a wealth of information not just about James Dean but about Fairmount.”
In 1999, Pulley had lung cancer surgery, and other illnesses stopped his participation in recent years. However, legions of people remember the man who was often the first person to greet a James Dean fan on his or her visit to Fairmount.
“The James Dean Remembered Fan Club has lost a cherished friend and champion,” club president Pamela Crawford of Arkansas wrote on Facebook. “Bob was always so giving, so loving and so welcoming to Jim Dean’s fans. He is irreplaceable.” She said he reached fans around the “globe.”
Pulley’s widow, Shirley Pulley, said he was committed to clarifying who James Dean was, especially to the media. He made guest appearances on “20/20,” “Hardcopy,” “Joan Rivers” and “Geraldo Rivera,” and was interviewed by a reporter from Fox news.
“He really defended Jimmie from a lot of things that weren’t true,” she said.
In an October 1990 article in People magazine, Pulley admitted he couldn’t figure out why Dean was so popular.
“I don’t understand it,” he told the magazine. “Jimmy was just a normal boy.”
One-on-one, Pulley simply enjoyed sharing memories of Dean with fans, who never seemed to tire of hearing stories. They would come to the museum and end up at their former home, which was located near Madison-Grant High School. Once some visitors who got their car stuck in Park Cemetery at the James Dean grave were helped by Pulley, and then invited home.
“We had people from Germany, England, South Carolina and other places come visit. Many of them ended up staying with us while here,” Shirley said. “For the 50th anniversary, Dario Mazzoli who starred in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ came with his wife and stayed with us.
“Bob always said that he did a lot for James Dean as far as keeping it going, but James Dean did a lot for him.”
One of Pulley’s daughter’s, Marion businesswoman Christy Berry, said she was constantly bringing home friends to the James Dean Festival while she attended Ball State University. And her father shared his stories with them as well.
“The ceiling of our dorm room was covered in James Dean posters,” Berry said, smiling. “I had forgotten how many of them came home with me until they started posting condolences on Facebook.”
Pulley was also known around town from his 35 years of service to the Citizen Telephone Company, which became Frontier Communications. He offered his electrical skills when needed.
David Loehr, owner of the James Dean Gallery in Fairmount said “When the James Dean Gallery was first getting ready to open in 1988, Bob was enthusiastic and offered to help with some of the electrical work and installed much of the track lighting that is still in use in the exhibit.
“Over the years Bob also appeared in several documentaries about James Dean and as a result was known and recognized by Dean fans around the world,” Loehr said. “When fans would visit Fairmount he would never turn away someone who wanted to meet him and talk about his old high school pal Jim Dean.
“When the bust of James Dean was dedicated at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, Bob flew out and we attended the event together along with several of Dean’s co-stars from the films and other celebrities along with dozens of James Dean Fans who treated Bob like he was a celebrity himself.”
Like Dean, he had eclectic tastes, and picking up arrowheads led to an interest in collecting items from Papua New Guinea.
Pulley sometimes shared memories during the annual memorial service for Dean at Back Creek Friends in Fairmount. People heard about hockey games on the frozen pond of the Winslow farm, and how they would try to trip each other with their sticks. He would wear his senior cords, a tradition Dean had also participated in. Movies were 5 or 10 cents, and you needed a car to get anywhere outside of Fairmount.
Another classmate of Pulley’s, Fairmount resident Jim Grindle, said Pulley will be missed. The men served as judges together at the James Dean Look-Alike Contest at the festival. Determining the winner was always a challenge.
“There’s not many people that look like Jimmie,” Grindle said. “Every one in awhile you’ll catch the eyes or a gesture. They’ve all studied his movies. We’re looking for (how he looked) in his high school days.”
Pulley had a lifelong interest in local schools, said granddaughter Mallory Thompson, a teacher at Madison-Grant Junior High School.
“He was very, very generous,” Thompson said. “He would worry about my students. He was constantly asking me about families and offering his help when needed.”

Friday, February 22, 2013

Deep Sorrow

My dad was laid to rest today. 
I am heartbroken. 

"What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.
It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset"


Robert Pulley, age 81, of Fairmount, IN, died Sunday, February 17, 2013. 

He was the son of the late Ralph Pulley and the late Maedoris (Zeek) Pulley.  He was born in Marion, Indiana on August 30, 1931.  He graduated from Fairmount High School in 1949 and went on to serve in the Army from 1950-53 during the Korean Conflict.  He was a disabled Veteran receiving 3 Bronze Stars.  He married Shirley Hoffar on February 20, 1960.  Shirley survives in Fairmount.  Bob was a repairman for Citizen's Telephone/Frontier Communications for 35 years, retiring in 1987.   He was a member and past president of the Fairmount Historical Museum, making guest appearances on 20/20, Hardcopy, Joan Rivers and Geraldo Rivera providing information and sharing about his friend and classmate James Dean.  He served as pallbearer for James Dean. He was a member of the Fairmount United Methodist Church, the Fairmount VFW Post serving as a past Commander and a 25 year member of the Fairmount Volunteer Fire Department, and the founder of the Mississinewa Boat and Ski Club.  As a member of the Archaeological Society, he enjoyed collecting arrow heads, and Indian artifacts and camping.  He loved decorating his home with large light displays for Christmas and having a big garden. 

He is also survived by: 
Three Daughters: 
Christy(Bob) Berry, Marion, IN 
Leasa (Jeff) Wages, Dacula, GA 
Tresa (Joel) Bozell, Summitville, IN 

One Son: 
Robert  Pulley, Kokomo, IN 

Two Sisters: 
Margaret Wilhoite, West Lafayette, IN 
Mary Ann Usher, Sarasota, FL 

3 Grandchildren; 
Mallory (Aaron)Thompson, Alexandria, IN 
Chad Wages, Lawrenceville, GA 
Lindsay (James) Savage, Lawrenceville, GA 

1 Great-Grandchild; Olivia Thompson 
Mother-in-law;  Leila Hoffar, Marion, IN 

He was preceded in death by 3 brothers Ralph James Pulley Jr., Roger Pulley, Tom Pulley,

 and sister, Martha Jane Rogers. 

Arrangements are being handled by Armes-Hunt Funeral Home, 415 S. Main St., Fairmount, IN where the family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, February 20, 2013.  Funeral service will be at Armes-Hunt Funeral Home at 2:00 PM, Thursday, February 21, 2013 with Rev.  Edna Larimore officiating. Interment will be at Park Cemetery, Fairmount, IN 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or Cancer Services of Grant County in care of the funeral home. 

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Love you Dad




August 30, 1931- February 17, 2013
I didn't know my heart could hurt this much. 
every storm runs out of rain...

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Love and Sadness

On this Valentine's Day, my Dad lays in a hospital bed in a rehabilitation center, where he does not belong. My Mother is by his side. Dad had been in a hospital for the past 8 days. He is laboring to breathe as a result of advanced emphysema. He is also aspirating fluids into his lungs. (He also struggles because  he had lung cancer surgery in 1999 that resulted in the removal of a lobe of one of his lungs.) The rehab staff has been rude and inattentive.  They say he's too sick to be there but the hospital people said they had done all they could do and he needed to go to rehab.   A social worker told my Mother this afternoon, "I guess this is not a good fit for your husband", as though he were choosing a country club?! So, it's okay to throw the patient to the curb because he's too sick for your facility??? 

These past days have been the saddest of my life. My Dad is usually a fiery character, opinionated and grumpy (and also, a good and giving Dad and hardworking man) . But now he is passive, barely able to speak or stay awake. I never thought I'd say this, but I've missed his grumpiness. I want my Dad back. My poor Mother is sad and quiet and my heart breaks for her. On February 20th, they will be married for 53 years. I think sometimes they wonder how they ever put up with each other, but their love has endured, and now they are planning a great escape from the rehab place tonight. Dad just wants to go home and Mother wants to take him home. If she is going to be the one giving him the care he needs at the rehab place, then why not do it at home? (that's what she said) They aren't really going to escape but there was some discussion between them about doing it. When I first heard about the plan I was aghast, but then I realized  Mother is right.  

Mother will be meeting with someone later today to arrange for hospice care.



Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Vintage Valentine to share

I found this vintage Valentine at an antique mall for $1!  It's in excellent condition and it's huge.  Of course, it is for "teacher" and every student wants to make a good impression on his or her teacher.  I love the igloo school house. Darling!
 





Monday, February 11, 2013

Thursday, February 7, 2013

1950's Diner Food (Recipe)


This is what we had for dinner this evening. When I looked at my plate, it reminded of diner food. And better (or worse) yet,  is that this picture turned out looking like those you see in the vintage magazines where the food looks a little unappetizing and odd. BUT, believe you me, this food did not taste odd.  Below is the recipe for "No Peek Beef Tips".  The dish is very easy to prepare and it is delicious.


*No Peek Beef Tips

Ingredients: 
2 lb. - Beef tenderloin tips, Stew Meat, Chuck Roast or Chuck Eye, cubed
1 - 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
1 – packet brown gravy mix
1 - packet Lipton dry onion soup mix
1 – 4 oz can mushrooms
1 - cup water or ginger ale soda (I used 1 1/2 cups of water because the first time I made this recipe, the gravy was a little thick)

Directions: 
Add cubed meat to a 9 x 13 inch pan.

In a large bowl mix the remaining ingredients together and pour over the meat.

Add mushrooms and stir to coat. Cover with foil and bake at 300 degrees for 2 Hours.

Do not remove foil until done.

Serve over rice, mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Servings: 6 - 8 

*This recipe was found here: 
http://www.mommyskitchen.net/2008/08/no-peek-beef-tips.html

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Needlework Supply Booklet Ephemera


Today I would like to share with you a few pages from a vintage needlework booklet that I [also] found in the recycling center. The top two images are the front and back covers. I chose two other pages that I thought might be of interest.  This booklet also contained the original order form, in tact. The order form was pre-folded as an envelope for easy mailing.  I love the color combinations displayed on the embroidery floss page. I hope you enjoy seeing these images as much as I enjoy sharing them! (click on each image to see it enlarged)
 
 



 




Monday, February 4, 2013

Once Upon a Time... Vintage Hallmark Cards




Once upon a time, there lived a vintage-loving and somewhat crafty Grandma who loved digging around in the paper box at the recycling center looking for "stuff". This Grandma was on the fast track to becoming a hoarder but could not resist the temptation to dig. She imagined that someday she would stumble upon sentimental treasures discarded by someone without a clue. And she did! One day, buried in the paper box, she found these storybook ladies and saved them from certain death. 

They are 1948 Hallmark greeting cards for children from a series of die-cut cards called, "From the Land of Make Believe".   Each of the cards has a feather and sequin, and inside a wonderful story written in rhyme. They are marked " A Hallmark Card" on the back. Hallmark sold an album in which these collectible cards could be kept.

My mind is all-a-buzz about how I might use these images for a craft project. Please feel free to use these images for your project ideas!  I can assure you that the original cards will remain in tact, free from fear of becoming pulp.  
And live on and on....happily ever after.









 


Thursday, January 31, 2013

Tini Mods Paper Dolls Fashion Show


When my husband got home from work today I said, "Sorry I missed your call, I was playing with paper dolls". Funny thing is, he didn't seem surprised.  My twin sister (Leasa) and I were paper doll fanatics. We had a set of  Tini Mods dolls (not this particular set) and we played with them constantly. More than likely we wore them out before we outgrew them. This set, which I found on ebay years ago, is missing one doll, Karen. I wonder if little girls play with paper dolls anymore... My gosh, getting a new book of dolls was so exciting. Punching out the new dolls first and then very patiently pressing out the clothes. One of us always managed to rip an arm and tear a tab or two but that was just to be expected.  My sister and I would play for hours and hours; dressing and undressing, non-stop play acting. Our dolls never argued, they were never mean or snarky. They were nice girls, just like us. We would talk about which girl we "wanted to be" in real life. I was always torn between the two blondes and the redhead. 

Here is the fashion line-up for today.  Some of the clothes are flocked!



These mod girls knew nothing about blogging, texting or facebook, but they did know a lot about fashion. 



My childhood memories are very sweet. Playing with paper dolls is one of  the sweetest. 
(More paper dolls to come)

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Valentine Candy Box Swap

I took part in a Valentine Candy Box swap hosted by Erica at Golden Egg Vintage. Liz from The Pipeliner's Wife was my partner. It has been fun reading Liz's blog and getting to know her and about her life as the wife of a  Pipeliner. Recently, she and her husband bought a farm and have been making renovations. AND she is a new, first time Grandma!  The candy box was stuffed full of adorable vintage Valentines! I will treasure these as I only have just a few. She also included handmade heart decorations that I dearly love and other fun treats including an adorable and beautiful vintage apron. 





Oh how I love this apron! It is just perfect!!!


Thank you Liz, for making my day. You are very sweet and generous. It's been a pleasure getting to know you. Also, a big thanks for Erica for hosting the swap. 
Happy Valentine's Day! 

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Candy Cane Cutie

This picture of Olivia was taken on Christmas eve. Her shirt says "Candy Cane Cutie".  Our Christmas celebration was a blast. 

 Olivia was very ill in early December and was hospitalized for 2 days. 
It was a scary time . Thankfully, she had a speedy recovery.


 I'm in a funk. Happens to me every January. But this little one brightens my day--my life! 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Georgia Bound

 In three hours, I will be on an airplane headed for Atlanta, Georgia. My twin sister lives near Atlanta and we are going to attend the Country Living (magazine) Fair at Stone Mountain. We are both beyond excited.  Maybe you've noticed the countdown on my sidebar. I started the new countdown as soon I returned from Atlanta last October.  This will be our 2nd trip to the fair.  The event is loads of fun and the vendors amazing, but more than anything, I love spending time with my twin. We always have the best time together--lots and lots of talking and laughing.  After I return, I will be anxious to get back to blogging, crafting and most of all, catching up with all of my favorite bloggers. 


I can't help but include a couple of new pictures of Olivia. 

Her first Happy Meal. 


She LOVES bath time! 

Friday, October 12, 2012

Keeping it Real


Earlier, I was sitting out in the garage (overhead door opened), in a bird-poop-stained plastic chair, watching paint dry, while eating a lime Popsicle, and picking dead skin off of my foot (heel). You see, I bought a "foot renewal peeling mask" on ebay. And now my feet are beginning to peel, although nothing like what was pictured in the product’s ad. I chose to ignore the flashing warning lights in my head, not stopping for one second to ponder the question, “do I really want to expose my skin to a product that, in 7-10 days, will cause my skin to peel off in sheets AND is from a random ebayer in China?”.  All I could think about is how "cool it’s gonna be” to be to peel off the dead skin! Oh, the guilty pleasure...maybe I will do it while watching The Real Housewives of New York....