Happy Halloween!

The Whitney had a Halloween party Wednesday night for the staff.  It wasn't mandatory to wear a costume, but it was suggested.  I took pictures of some, but didn't get everybody.  They provided entertainment with a magician and special music [singers].  It was a fun night.

Tony - General Manager

Darren - Supervisor

Raegan - Reception Desk Hostess

Jess who was just hired this week as a server.

Samantha - Events Manager

A server dressed as Alf - television sitcom from 1986-1990.  My son, Jeremy, loved the show when he was young and had a stuffed Alf .   I gave it to him after he had children of his own, but they were afraid of it so I'm pretty sure it got pitched.  ;-)

LaKeitha - Server

Debra is a server.  She's pictured below with her husband.  She conducts our paranormal tours, because The Whitney has a reputation of being haunted, but no Whitney ghost/spirit has ever bothered me.  ;-)

Me as a maid.  I wanted to be Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, but the outfit had to be ordered and wouldn't have arrived in time.  Maybe next year.

Dave - Director of Operations [the head honcho].  He's my boss and who I answer directly to.

Today our normal Afternoon Tea was suspended so we could host a "Spirited" Haunting Tea.  We served 41 guests, which was down from what was anticipated, but it was still a good group.  It kept me busy as we served three different teas throughout the meal.   I put in 6 hrs. non-stop so I'm feeling my age tonight.  ;-)

An area of the prep room where I make the tea.  I had all five of my urns going today.  I bring my own because they've never been used for coffee.

It was a special menu.  I was busy and missed taking a photo of the soup served in a pumpkin, but I got a picture of the savories and desserts.  The pumpkin was surrounded by dry ice so it gave the effect of a cauldron on an open fire. Chef Natasha and Pastry Chef, Eric, outdid themselves with their creativity.

Before the final dessert course was served, the guests were treated to a paranormal tour in the Carriage House and a magic show in another adjoining building, so I was able to take a picture of one of the tables in the Drawing Room while we waited for them to return.  Each guest received a gift bag containing a bottle of Witches Brew from Leelanau Cellars [Red Wine spiced with Cinnamon, Cloves and Nutmeg] and assorted chocolate candies.

Steve, a server who always works with me on Afternoon Tea.

Annie, a server.

Debra in a different costume today for her paranormal tour of The Whitney Carriage House.

And here's my cute granddaughter, Ellie, all ready to go trick-or-treating.

Our son Steve's annual neighborhood Halloween party that he hosts in his garage with Krispy Kreme donuts, Hot Chocolate, Coffee, Cider, video games and music was greatly curtailed this year due to COVID-19, but he still gave out candy bars.  My hubby went over to help like he does every year, but was home by 7:30 because trick-or-treaters were much less this year.

Granddaughter, Brooke, came home for the weekend from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL.  She brought some friends with her, and my hubby said they were working on costumes to wear tonight, but as yet I haven't seen any photos posted.  

Hope you had a Happy Halloween!  Don't forget to set your clocks back tonight to claim that extra hour of sleep!