Pool Party!

Some of you may be surprised to learn that Ross is, in fact, a closet sportsman. He may not appear to be the athletic type, but in England he was a regular snooker player; something he has missed since moving here. So this week it was an emotional moment for him when we finally took delivery of our very own pool table. To us, if you want to live the American dream, a pool table in the basement is an essential ingredient.
Here's my "how to" guide for any other readers wishing to do the same...

1. Get the experts to do it! Even the kindest neighbour would have trouble lugging this lot down the stairs...
2. Make sure you have all the components before you start. (Ideally get the basement refinished properly first too, but I've lost that argument....for now)

3. Nail part A to part B, using screw 18a and bolt 45a. You only need to be able to read the instructions in Swedish if you buy from Ikea.

4. Prepare the base, remembering to look good at all times in case there's a photographer lurking.

5. Baton the base together while ignoring the photographer.

"Gee, she's getting on my nerves."

6. Next goes three panels of slate. I dunno, Ross wouldn't let me have slate tiles on the laundry room floor, but it's ok on top of a table!

7. I finally got a pool boy! He's a real one too. In the summer he fits swimming pools, in the winter, pool tables!

He must be the best. Turns out he once worked for a guy who is Stephen Hendry's American cousin!

(For those who don't know, Hendry was 7 time world snooker champion)

8.Glue the felt to the slate, pulling carefully to get rid of any bumps.

Just like pulling strudel dough really.

9. Stretch around the pockets..

10. Before stapling the edges and cutting off any unwanted material.

Make sure no apple is left laying around. Sorry, that's the strudel..

10. Don't take a picture now! My hand is stuck in the pocket.

11. And there she is...

Yes, I know there's a pillar in the way, but apparently we can get round that with a special little cue. I don't see why we couldn't just cut it down, but apparently it's holding the house up or something.....