Diamond T620 Box Van

I love classic trucks-especially from the 1940s to the 1960s.

There’s something about their bulky design, heavy bumpers, exposed wheel wells and overall construction that are classic.

Those were the days where trucks were trucks and not luxury vehicles driven by people that never use them for their intended purposes.

So many truck owners never see a scratch or a bit of dirt tarnish their vehicle.

The Box Van comes in a custom slip lid box with a plastic cocoon holding the truck and several of its components snuggly in place.  A clear plastic cover fits over the cocoon allowing for viewing and additional protection.

As with all Corgi diecast the Box Van is extremely detailed right down to the lettering on its sides and paint scheme.  It really is a remarkable example of miniature design.  A Limited Edition Certificate is under the vacuum-formed cocoon.

The body is paint is bright yellow on the upper cab and cargo area.  A deep green covers the front wheel wells, windshield wipers, grill and bumper and the lower cargo area and rear area.

Chrome lights, roof lights, hood decoration, side mirrors, bumper extensions and inner wheel caps make the entire body pop.  The top of the cargo area is painted silver added to the chrome effect.

The cab has a windshield and four-side mirrors.

Large, side-mounted mirrors come separately along with large chrome horns and are attached to the truck.

The doors and hood are sealed and the undercarriage is green with full details and a silver muffler.

Two rubber tires are on the front, four are on the back.

It’s an extremely detailed miniature truck and accurate to its time period.  Paint application is clean, crisp and evenly applied.

Psalms 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Mutts The Little Things

Do dogs and cats think like humans? Do they ponder life? Worry? Joke? Make observations?

Earl the dog and Mooch the cat share their remarkable lives as they navigate the world around them.

Share their moments as they relate to their friends, contend with humans, encounter other animals, philosophy, keep things simple, stay positive and offer unconditional love.

Join Mutts creator/writer/artist Patrick McDonnell and Andrews McMeel Publishing in Mutts The Little Things as they share the canine and feline adventures and observations of Earl and Jules as they seize each and every moment and demonstrate just how wonderful life really is.

I especially like when they play around with word balloons, dialogue, etc.  Talk about breaking the fourth wall!

Simple line drawings-reminiscent of the classic Krazy Kat comic strip capture the expression and subtle and frenetic moments perfectly. I love the muted colors, minimal line work and to-the-point text.

Earl reinds me out litle dog Lilly Bear that passed away back iin auust.  She was sweet and lovable and seemed to understand everythig we talked about.  If dogs go to Heaven I'll be anxious to see her when I get there.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

You Can Change

Everyone at one time in their life find themselves wishing to change. They can be physical changes, health choices, emotional realignment or personal situations.

We’ve all tried. We’ve all failed. Mainly because we try too hard, give up too easily and become over-whelmed.

Changes are not easy-at least as far as human endeavors are concerned.

True change comes from within and dependence on God.

Humans are fragile and fickle. We say one thing and do another. It’s easy to make New Year’s resolutions and within two weeks we’re right back where we started from.

You Can Change 2^nd Edition by author Tim Chester and book publisher Crossway offers a practical, workbook-style guide that helps you through a change project starting at one area of your life that you want to change.

By following the format of a guiding question and reading truths from God’s word the Bible you learn to reflect, address you individual struggle, draw closer to God and meet your goal.

Look for lots of advice, loads of scripture reference and  support. Change is possible but only if you trust God and follow his scripture guidance.

Psalms 121:1-8 - I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

The Rocketeer Thrills, Spills, And Chills

I was there at the beginning. Back in the 1980s when the Direct Market became the main distributor to comic book shops many small independent publishers released their own creator-owned comic books.

One of those publishers: Pacific Comics, happened to one of my favorites. I bought most of their titles. Starslayer was one of them.

In issue number two a short back-up story by artist/writer Dave Stevens featured a retro character straight out of old movie serials: The Rocketeer.

I read the story and I was hooked. I bought all of his Pacific Comics appearances and after the publisher went out of business I picked up the Dark Horse Comics series and sporadically from the five publishers that printed his adventures after Dark Horse. I still have all the issues. Yay for me!

Artist/writer Dave Stevens introduced The Rocketeer to readers way back in 1982. Unfortunately Dave passed away a number of years later and did not get to enjoy his character’s adventures as envisioned by some talented people like John Byrne, Alex Ross, Walter Simonson, Mike Allred, John Cassady and many others.

However he did get to see his character adapted as a movie.

The oversize book contains lots of new stories, it’s beautifully colored and all of the stories continue the spirit of the character and his quirky class of characters.

IDW Publishing has done an outstanding job of continuing The Rocketeer’s adventures in The Rocketeer Thrills, Spills, And Chills and for compiling them all in one spectacular trade paperback fans are sure to enjoy.

Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.