I've recently been asked to make a retirement cake for someone at work. It doesn't have to be real fancy, but I'd like it to be somewhat relevant to the job he did. This man is a frail, simple man who spent many years walking the campus picking up litter with his litter stick and putting it in a bucket. Basically, he picked up after everyone and kept the campus looking clean. I had an idea of somehow using a golden bucket and litter stick on the cake. Someone else suggested writing "Life 'picks up' after retirement". I'm not very good with coming up with my own ideas. I'm not extremely skilled with the fondant and gum paste, although I think I could sculpt the bucket and stick. Anyone have any clever ideas? I'd be really greatful. I have to have this cake for Dec. 22.

hi, i truly like what you said about the gold bucket and stick and writing what the op said. That is really cute. hth

I like the bucket and stick idea but the first thing that came to mind is someone sitting on a beach chair under a palm tree relaxing. Maybe you can put in a little garbage can with clean up tools tossed away to signify the end of that chapter?