DEAR ABBY: Get a load of this pre-wedding announcement. It was delivered via my mailbox at work. I thought I had seen it all, but this takes the cake. With a former co-worker like this, I'm happy I didn't win their lottery.
If you print this, please delete all names and addresses. I still work with friends of this couple. -- HAPPY TO LOSE THE LOTTERY
DEAR HAPPY: Your enclosure is a first, and I must admit I have never seen anything quite like it. Read on:
"Dear Friends of 'Elmer' and 'Gladys': Our wedding will be a small but poignant affair held at a log home in the woods in beautiful southern Wisconsin. Due to the physical nature of the wedding area, there will not be enough space for all the friends and relatives we would dearly love to invite.
"After pondering a number of alternatives, we decided that a lottery would be the most equitable manner of dealing with the space/disappointment problem. We have, indeed, already held this lottery with your name included, but alas, it is our sad duty to inform you that your name does not appear on the winners list. Nevertheless, our good wishes go out to you, and when our gift from you arrives at the address below, we will thank you in absentia.
"With regrets and respect, ELMER SMITH AND GLADYS JONES"
READERS: Care to comment?