Healthcare & St. Pattie's Day Weekend

I just learned that my healthcare won't cover a doctor in PA, who I've been seeing since like 2002. Strangely, my healthcare covers providers in MD, DC, and VA, but not WV or PA. I think if the state touches your home state, you should get coverage in that neighboring state: it's as simple as that. I'm not asking for coverage in Idaho. I'm asking for coverage in a state that is less than a half an hour away from my home: VA is further than PA, so what's the logic behind that?

On a MUCH better note, I have the most fantastically wonderful and loving husband in the whole world. On Saturday, he picked me up after work, and I saw that he had packed my suitcase, my laptop & school books in the back of the truck. He even brought me a bottle of water, snack and my iPod. I was like "Uhhhh, what's going on? What are we doing? Where are the dogs?!" And then it happened. He blindfolded me. I'll admit that I tried to peek a few times at first, but then eventually I gave up (not one of my usual tendencies, I know) and started getting really excited (and impatient) for when our destination would be revealed.

We drove for a bit ( I definitely fell asleep). We stopped once by the side of the road (Brian had quite a bit of his Fizzonator by that point), and then we were there!! Brian left me in the car and as difficult as it was, I was quite proud of myself for not peeking. He came back out and I took off the blindfold, and he asked me if "I knew where I was". I had no clue. I saw a brick building across from where we were parked, a fountain in front of us, and when I turned around, I saw an adorable (yet equally beguiling) brick building. There were a bunch of flags on the building, and one of them was a MD flag, so I thought we might still be in MD (then I also saw the Canadian flag, so I discounted my original idea). We walked inside of the building and it was so beautiful and rustic! There was a fire burning in the fireplace to our right, and big comfy couches in front of the fire. To our left, there were more couches and a little restaurant. We started climbing the stairs, and climbed all the way up to the top of the building (4 floors). When we reached the 4th floor, we saw a little sitting area with an antique desk and wicker furniture, and the door to our room, which was the attic! It was so pretty and cozy! There were armchairs and lamps in the little sitting area. The wallpaper had flowers on it, and the ceilings were slanted like typical attic ceilings. I couldn't believe how short the closet was: it was truly a historic building. Oh I was also excited by the marble nightstand and coffee table: my mom has one from her Grandmother's house, and it just made me feel an extra connection with this place and this room.

It turns out we were staying at The Country Inn at Berkeley Springs http://thecountryinnatberkeleysprings.com/. You can see a little picture of our room too if you hunt around - it was room 41. As soon as I walked in, I fell in love with the place.

We went to dinner that night at Panorama at the Peak http://www.panoramaatthepeak.com/index.html. We got to the restaurant a little bit before sunset, and the view was beautiful. The little town of Cacapon was in a valley below the mountains and it was all lit up. It was so humbling to be in the presence of all of God's majesty. The food and service was delicious, and we could see the beautiful mountains from our table. We were seated next to a tall statue of two cranes, though the server explained to us they could just as easily be "storks". I ignored whatever it was she was implying:)

The next day, Brian surprised me with a spa day. Berkeley Springs is best known for the natural mineral water that comes from the springs. We had a mineral bath, and then each had body scrubs, massages and facials. I was a little sketched out by being massaged by a strange guy, but I think that speaks volumes about my devotion to my husband, and to our marriage. Whether it's emotionally or physically, he's the only guy I want touching me. Brian said he wasn't a big fan of the facial, but he's ready to go back for a longer weekend, and get a massage each day. Me? I want a plethora of manicures, pedicures, hot stone massages, and mineral baths.

I read some reviews of The Country Inn after we got home on Sunday, and I was disappointed to hear that some people thought the place was run-down. Brian and I think they could definitely make some improvements (i.e. carpet), but the charm and beauty of the Inn is that it is rustic and quaint and historical. All I know is that it is the combination of the pure simplicity of the setting and the amazingly sensitive surprise of the trip from my husband, that has me convinced that this place rivals Disney World as being the most magical place on earth. I know I will never forget that weekend for as long as I live. Now if only the Inn had a bigger gift shop...