It's been awhile. The last time I wrote a blog post we had just returned to Japan from our Christmas trip to Kansas City. We were home one week and my husband had an arduous business trip to South Africa. Once he got there it was pretty cool. One night he stayed in a preserve and saw a lot of animals. The trip there is a LONG one. While he was gone his father took a turn for the worse. Upon his arrival home one week later I had to break the news that his dad was gone. This was very sad news, but we were so thankful that we had just seen him. The next few days we planned a return trip for the funeral.
This is the presentation of the flag to my husband after the service. Those military funerals are pretty emotional I can tell you that. We spent a few more days taking care of some business and getting a monument ordered. It was an emotional week and we really struggled with jet lag, yet again.
Now we've been back a couple of weeks and my husband is off again to Mexico and Puerto Rico this week. We've done a couple of fun things in the past two weeks before he left.
Last weekend we visited the Toyota Commemorative Museum. My husband works for Toyota for those of you that haven't been around long. He's seen the museum but I had not. You might be interested to know that Toyota began as Toyoda Spinning and Weaving Company. Half of the museum is about the looms and spinning machines and the other half is about how the automobile business began. It was very interesting.
Antique Japanese fabrics are beautiful.
This is a replica of the first Toyota ever built. It was built based on a Chrysler that they took apart and studied. I hope you can see this sketch below. It is only a portion and was blown up to a huge wall size.
This is a replica of the first truck. It had only 65 HP. My husband's motorcycle has more power.
The first car built for America. It had no power and evidently did not sell well. World War II came and the Japanese government wanted them to make only trucks.
Eventually they were back at car production and the Corona was very popular in America. This is the Corolla which is still in production. Toyota has been on a roll since that time.
About 20 years ago they brought in this steam engine as another example of the era of industrialization. It was a very interesting morning. I wish I could show you the kind of looms that they make today. Crazy fast and advanced technologies. I've made a little video of our visit. Some of the photos are repeated, but you can also see the current looms. Enjoy.
Well, thanks for hanging around through the silence and museum posts. Talk to you soon.
firstly, i'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeletehow very meaningful that your father in law's funeral was one of
military significance. these type events are incredibly special
and significant in every way. i come from a family with military
history and present activity .. means so much to honor their service.
and thank you for sharing Japan's automotive history - wow!
and a weaving manufacturer as well. beautiful woven fabrics and the
plant is so clean (highly expected of Japan). :)
Very nice post. Have missed you here but that's ok and understandable. Life does get in the way sometimes. Toyoda and weaving. Who'da thunk? My husband has been traveling to Missouri every week since I retired. I've been on task for a couple of timely gifts. I'm almost finished with the last one. Boy, do I have some home projects that need my attention! Best to you, Julie
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Ken's Dad.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a pretty cool museum.
Hope your routine returns to "normal"
soon.
M : )
Enjoyed your museum pictures. Last year at this time I was getting ready for a trip to Japan in April. I'd love to be there for cherry blossoms again.
ReplyDelete