Bert did get a real cake for his birthday, but it was the early part of August. Since his birthday is late August, and my son's birthday is in September, I didn't plan to see either of them on their birthday due to field work. So, in early August, when we had company, there was a surprise party. I told Bert that it was a surprise party for Brian, I told Brian it was a surprise party for Bert. Worked like a charm. Everyone else knew the whole story. You should have seen the confusion on their faces when we said they each had to hold the cake for a picture!

There was good food, cake, presents, wine, beer and a good company. The cake came from a local bakery where my son's girlfriend works.