DEAR ABBY: I recently received a wedding invitation from a relative in Oregon. I was surprised to see enclosed with the invitation a bank deposit slip and a request to help pay for the mortgage on their "dream house." Is this a common practice with wedding invitations? This request made no mention of money in lieu of traditional gifts. Am I expected to give a monetary gift along with another gift? The wedding is soon, and I'm waiting for your response before I send money or buy a gift. -- STUMPED IN SAN DIEGO
DEAR STUMPED: Send a gift and ignore the request for money ... unless you can send a little toy bird that says "Cheap, cheap!"