ROUNDABOUT

I found High Grade Jay settled in at the Whitespring after the Fasnacht parade had finished. Most folks had packed their decorations away, but Jay had other plans. He put together a carousel beside a timber pavilion and called the place Roundabout. For a man usually looking toward his next project, he stayed here a good while.

The carousel caught my eye first, with its little rocket rides, bright ribbons, and flowers wrapped around the center. Inside, he had fitted patterned walls, sturdy tables, and glass cases for his collection of masks. Even the garden workbench had its place. You can tell when a builder has spent time living with his work and getting the small things right.

There is a bar here too, though I left that part to Jay and took a look at the framing. The joined roofs and sheltered corners impressed me more than any bottle on a shelf. I have seen evidence of his work in the Commonwealth as well as back home in Appalachia, and this place bears the same careful hand. A man may forget a fair bit about himself and still remember how to build something sound.