By Trudi Kappel

We met at a party in July. By October, my birthday month, we were an item. My birthday was the first traditional gift giving occasion of our relationship. Knowing his thrifty nature, I wondered if he would buy me a present or even a card.

I was delighted when he invited me out for a birthday dinner, recognition of the occasion. He arrived at my apartment carrying, not only a card but also a large heavy wrapped package. WOW! A restaurant dinner, a card and a present! This was special.

When I opened the box, I was nonplussed. It contained a big yellow enamel cast iron Dutch oven. I saw myself as a career girl, not a homebody but I thanked him with as much enthusiasm as I could muster.

I doubted the relationship would last, sensing our different views of my life plan. After five decades we are still an item and we still cook in that Big Yellow Pot. The pot is a metaphor for the relationship - durable and don’t be stingy with the spices.

We are showing some wear. Grey hair for us, chipped enamel for the Big Yellow Pot. We endure and we cook together!