Yes it is normal, for just about all rugosas once they get established. That is why I came to the conclusion that rugosas (unless grafted) don't belong in a "garden", they belong as a hedge or in an area they can grow wild like the seashore. I fought several rugosas for a few years in my client's garden, constantly digging up suckers that wanted to take over the garden. I had enough and dug up all but one mother plant (due to sentimental reasons on her part, otherwise I would have gotten rid of all of them). In the areas I thought I had thoroughly dug up the rugosas, there are shoots sprouting from what must have been roots left in the ground. So I am still working on it. Yes you can dig up the suckers and transplant them, but they get quite a shock from it and aren't happy at all for a while (if they don't die). What I try to do is sever them from the main plant by slicing a sharp spade into the ground, then leave them be where they are for a few weeks or even a year, then transplant them where you want them after they have grown enough of their own roots. Alternatively you can dig them up and pot them up, place in a shady place and keep them well-watered for a few weeks to lessen the shock before transplanting to their new home.

I received my seeds from Dean today. He wrote up beautiful descriptions of all the seeds. I'm having a great trip around the world. He also sent me some great recipes. Here's the recipes: Bavarian Potato Salad (German) Suya Kabobs (Nigerian) Iranian Chicken in Tomato Sauce Pepino Aqua Fresca (Mexico) - a refreshing summer drink made with cucumbers. It's 93 degrees today - the hottest day of the year. This sounds good! Pina Aqua Fresca (Mexico) - MMMmmmmm Pineapple drink! Chimichurri Sauce (Argentina) I haven't eaten dinner yet. I can't tell you how good all of these sound! Now for the seeds: Asparagus Beans (China) Blue coco Beans (France) Armenian Cucumbers (Armenia) Super Zagross Middle Eastern Cucumber (Iranian) Cyclanthera Pedata - Lady's Slippers (Andes) Cham-ae Melon (Korea) Alma Paprika (Hungary) Feher Ozon Paprika (Hungary) Cyklon Pepper (Polish) Chile de Arbol Pepper(Mexico) Munchener Bier Radish (Germany) Purple Plum Radish (France) Brandywine Sudduth Tomato(USA) Wapsipinicon Peach Tomato(USA) Italian Market Wonder Tomato (Italy) Whew! Well, I'm tired from the trip. Thanks so much, Dean!

If the party is still in full swing, I think taking what you brought, if still on the buffet is a bit rude. If the dinner (food) has been cleared to the kitchen, I would love it if someone who brought a dish would take it with them. One less dish for me to deal with. We are not a big leftover family and I would more likely than not, discard the leftovers, wash and return the serving dish. When I take a dish to a party, I usually purchase an inexpensive serving dish so that the dish can be put directly on the buffet, and I don't retrieve it after the party. Restaurant supply stores have a great selection of inexpensive serving dishes that are inexpensive, yet look nice enough to go directly on the buffet. If asked if I wanted what was left of my dish, I definitely would decline. When I entertain family, I always buy the disposable Gladware and send care packages home with the older guests. Seems that they enjoy not having to cook a meal the next night:)). In fact, MIL will ask if she can have something to heat up the next night. I know its rude, but I take it as a compliment rather than feeling badly about it. As for the gal who makes a platter for hubby before the guests at the gals' function even serve themselves is just downright rude. I could see and have seen women do this after the dinner and there's food left, but have never seen someone go through a buffet before guests to make a plate.

I like sappy! Scrappy, too. Does that make me a scrappy sap? Oh good grief! I need to be locked in a sewing room with a little pass through door for fabric and food. I can picture it now........