I dropped by Amsterdam Billiards Sunday afternoon and played for about fifteen minutes. The place was immaculate and looks beautiful. Players are required to wear masks, and at least in my assessment, that's as it should be. Only about five tables were in use. I shot two racks of straight pool and one rack of nine ball, officially ending my eleven month layoff. It felt good to be hitting balls again even though my playing skills had, not unexpectedly, declined since I last played.
The bar being closed was a bit of a downer, as I like a tea, coffee or soda while I play, but for now I have to do without. None of the players I know there were present, so there was no social element in going there, and as someone who has averaged over 23 hours a day in the home for over ten months, it would do me a lot of good to see some familiar faces.
Hopefully, the regulars will return soon. Solo practice is not something I enjoy much, and I hope to be able to make a game with someone down the road.