Kathy Eikenberg pulled off an amazing surprise party for Tom's 60th birthday! The problem: how do you manage to host a surprise party for the fellow who does the catering? It started out with a nom de plume. Maria Berg (Kathy's alias) booked a surprise birthday charter for her elderly father by phone with Carroll. Poor not-so-real-Maria didn't have Internet access, so all of her dealings were with Carroll, who would relay special menu choices, etc. to Tom. Carroll even threw in a few curves along the way. "We hear that the guest of honor is real persnickity." "Maria's father is supposed to be a real character."
Well, the day of Tom's surprise party came and we found him in a tizzy - straightening napkins and place settings that didn't need straightening, fussing over the buffet, etc. The rest of the crew noticed a "mob" coming down the pier, many wearing chef's hats. We alerted Kathy, who actually had to drag Tom away from his fussing. Even as his guests came onto the gangway, Tom stood on the foredeck with a puzzled look. I think the appropriate phrase is "Gotcha!"
Needless to say, the party was a blast, the food was fabulous, and we all hated for the cruise to end!
Best quote of the day from Tom: "If I'd known the party was for me, I wouldn't have gotten such expensive crab meat!"
Tom, Happy Birthday from all of the Lantern Queen staff and crew. You deserve all the best!
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