The New and the Old

In Kentucky we had two tours that were totally opposite.  First, was the tour of the Corvette plant in Bowling Green.  It was worth getting up at 5:30 am to be able to be at the first tour of the morning. 
Photographing was not allowed, but here is a picture of the outside of the plant

Along the trim line, workers were adding specific parts as gleaming red, silver, black and yellow Corvettes went by.  Each worker bolted on the appropriate part within a pre-determined time frame; each part was waiting at the side.  Each Corvette rolled by at approximately a yard per minute--windshields, windows, bumpers, or seats wrapped in plastic wrap.

Next was the "marriage" of the chassis to the body, the engine and transmission. Finally it was time to test each car. Our tour guide turned to a young boy and asked, "Do you want to start the engine?"

Eyes shining, twelve year old Andrew proudly sat in the driver's seat and turned the key. Later he showed off his special certificate.

Tires were tested, water was poured on the cars in a high powered wash to test for leaks, and engine revs were tested. Some VIP visitors stood watching their very own Corvettes being assembled. We wondered if they got to drive away their own brand new vehicle that very day. Terry commented, "That was a worthwhile tour!"

Ten miles down the road we went back in time, to a Shaker museum at South Union.  Shakers were originally the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Coming.  They were committed to a new religious order based on community, family, and work in the early 1800's. Because they lived celibate lives and did not take in as many orphans as previously, by 1922 they had dwindled from a few thousand to a small handful.  A small community still lives in Maine.

The Centre House

Song and dance was a vital component of their worship.  They used their whole body in whirling, spinning, stomping, marching, and dancing under the influence of the Spirit.

Shakers are noted for their simple but elegant furniture.

After the tour, Terry had a rest, as it was very hot in Kentucky at the time, about 90 degrees (35? Celsius)