It was a long ten weeks, but on February 2, 2001 the truck caring my Manchester Spa came up the driveway. The doors had been removed, the room was ready and the guys were waiting to take it off the truck.

Once installed and cleaned the spa couldn’t fill fast enough. The water was finally headed and the chemicals added. My favorite line was “is it time yet?” Sunday was the big day.

Through the window we could see the snow was mounting, as was my excitement as my husband was lifting the top off. We stepped into the warm whirling water; words can’t express the wonderful feeling. After 20 minutes my husband said it was time to get out before we turned into prunes. I couldn’t wait till the next time.

Nothing compares to the luxury of coming home after a long New England winter day and melting into the warm water of the spa.

Our spa has also been a source of medical relief for me, as I have arthritis of the spine. Every two weeks I go to the doctors, who always say, go home, take a few aspirin and put the moist heat on your back, no more hydrauliculator for me. I just have to slip in my spa and I have all the moist heat one person needs.

I must say it has been a real source of pleasure for our friends. People who once thought we lived in the sticks now make an extra effort to visit and always with their bathing suits and a big smile. The women enjoy being able to relax in comfort without the kids and the men really appreciate the ice bucket.

Donna Maguire