Ten years together. One-hundred-twenty months of wedded bliss. Seems like yesterday you tied the knot, said "I Do", then headed off to your honeymoon in the Catskills, or Niagara Falls, or maybe the Grand Canyon and Vegas. Ten years later, and you're wondering where did the time go?

Traditionally, the tenth is celebrated as the 'tin' anniversary. The reason for this could be something exotic, such as the acknowledgment that tin is more durable than paper, used for the first year of marriage. Or it could be recognition that by ten years a couple's golden years are still a long way off. It could even be something as simple as the obvious connection between the words ten and tin. Who knows? The reality is, that in our culture, people recognize ten years with something crafted from tin. So what are some ideas for this? What tin items can be had, or created to salute ten years together? Here are tin (10) ideas to consider:

1 Pie plates. Why not purchase ten of them, then fill them with ten of your mate's favorite delicacies--pies of every description he or she may have mentioned during the past 120 months that they particularly enjoy? Can't eat that much Peach/Mango pie? Take it to a shelter, and serve the clients there. You'll feel better, and so will they.

2 Two tin cups. Take these cute cups, ask your spouse to put their left-over change in them, and when they're full, cash it in, and go on a date.

3 Tin picture frames (one or two). Fill them with photo memories of the past ten years. If done correctly, tin can be fashioned in many ways, twisted, tweaked and turned just so to make an attractive frame. It can even be tinted with the right paints & dyes.

4 A tin tree plaque. Just like carving your initials in a tree, only not as damaging, and available for additional inscriptions. Attach a section of tin that's big enough to scratch messages and other short expressions on. Use small brads, the smaller the better to preserve the tree, and post the message tin on a tree in your own back yard. Scratch a ten year message to each other, and watch the tree grow around it. This 'scratching tin' has the added advantage of being portable. If you move, take it with you and attach it to another tree.

5 Tin pocket reminders. It's been a good ten years, but ten years of marriage isn't easy, regardless of how much you love and care for each other. Instead of the usual romantic pocket reminder cards, scratch something on a tin the size of a standard business card, and carry it with you till number eleven.

6 Tin popcorn bowl. Remember that tin popcorn server you had when you were a kid? Go to E-Bay and look for one. I'm betting your spouse had one of those, too. He or she would love to fill it with buttery, fresh popcorn then sit in front of the TV and share ten years together with you. Recommendation for a movie? Try 'Ghost'. Just don't expect to make it through the pottery-wheel scene. Put the kids to bed first.

7 Tin earrings. She'll love the thought of having been married ten years enough that she'll wear them on that date you paid for with the change from your tin cups.

8 Tin cufflinks. He'll love these enough he (or she) may wear them on that date, and for many occasions afterward. There are jewelers everywhere who can craft such things for you, or you can look on-line for these items.

9 Your own tin memento. There are many places to have things manufactured, mementos that use items from your personal collection and turn them into heirlooms. On-line craft creators such as Etsy and others are just a mouse click away.

10 A tin '10'. Go on-line to the craft person you found and have them create a tin numeral ten to hang wherever you choose. You an customize it any way you want, with personal items and/or anniversary things used already.

Ten years of marriage is a milestone that any couple can be proud of. Though the traditional marker for ten years is something made of tin, it doesn't have to be something drab or unremarkable. Tin lasts a long time, and, unlike other similar metals in the periodic table, tin doesn't oxidize well, so it doesn't corrode. Indeed, tin is used to coat steel to keep that metal from corroding. Just so, a marriage recognized by tin (10) years, is well on its way to being steeled against any corrosive elements, and, happily, your union will last a very long time. Enjoy the popcorn, and the movie!