Okay, so I’m still giggling about it. Nope, not the latest Internet joke, just a letter I received on Wednesday.

My chuckling started when I noticed the envelope was addressed to Ms. Dornacher. During my last visit to the bathroom I was sure nothing had changed. Out of curiosity, I opened the envelop and slipped out the contents.

Much to my amusement, I pulled out The Newcomers’ Club of Lake Bluff and Lake Forest brochure. On the front, under a pineapple picture, I found this little ditty: “The pineapple, our club’s symbol, has long been a sign to sailors and other travelers that they have found a safe and hospitable place to stay. Your life’s journey has brought you to a new community: know that you have found a welcoming haven in the Newcomers’ Club.”

With a mischievous grin, I pictured the neighbor housewives welcoming a few sailors in training from the nearby Naval base. With that image in my head, I read on. My jaw dropped, not because this was some wild suburban swingers club. Egad, it became alarming clear this was a housewife social club.

Many would think, what a great opportunity to meet your neighbors and other folks in the community. I’m a bit jaded, yes I admit it, there are a few experiences that have left me jaded. I decided to pass on the opportunity for lunch, tea, bridge, wine tasting and cooking lessons. I don’t have a problem meeting and greeting. I’m just afraid the jaded side of my brain might take over and some little ditty will pop out of my mouth I would regret.

Though jaded when it comes to community building, I am the eternal optimist. I keep smiling and saying “hello” to our neighbors. Perhaps I should take up the advice of the Newcomers’ Club and hang a pineapple to the front door.

Oh wait, even better, I’ll browse through a few cookbooks in search of a pineapple dish. Nothing like inviting the folks over for some good food, plenty of cocktails and a few sailors to break the ice.