As someone who deals with facts on a daily basis in addition to the skill of evaluating the validity of research data (I teach science), the idea that data and facts cannot be objectively verified I find puzzling. As I mentioned, we use facts all the time to make decisions, for example, we check the weather before going somewhere to determine how to dress. Weather predictions are made based on facts, measurements and data. But, since weather is a system that is highly variable (many data points and facts affect the system) there is always going to be some level of uncertainty in your predictions. Meteorologists factor that into their weather reports, and usually give a range of predictions, such as 20% chance of rain. That is not zero, btw, so I always carry a collapsible umbrella in my car. But we don't assume that a meteorologist has some hidden political agenda, nor do we necessarily question the need for weather forecasting, particularly those of us in outdoor professions who depend on reliable weather data to make critical decisions. I have no reason to doubt that the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, one of the most respected and admired research centers in the world, would not be working diligently to present the best and most valid data available. Also, since science thrives on constant questioning and examination, they would not rest until more and more "truth" could be determined. I know science constantly refines ideas, I'm comfortable with evolving advice based on the results of more and more information being investigated and newer data coming in. That's why medical advice evolves over time and what was once standard advice, (like taking vit. E protects against heart disease, for example, which has evolved to it being a minor preventative factor if at all, not trumping genetics, and having no benefit in clinical studies as a treatment, in fact in might be a detriment and is no longer supported by the American Heart Association). I not only have confidence in the public health researchers at the University of Michigan and my alma mater Michigan State, for example, I feel blessed beyond compare that I live in a state where such institutions can exist and thrive. I feel the same way about the Johns Hopkins Center, their web site is a marvel of useful and helpful information. As well as the many professional groups I belong to that share "truths" amongst members so we can develop strategies to meet all kinds of situations arising out of real data coming out of the real world. For example, the spotted lanternfly is similar to this covid-19 virus in that it has the potential to decimate dozens of economic fruit crops. No one is questioning the validity or political agendas of folks reporting on its spread, nor on ideas for mitigation and control. That's the irony to me, I live in a state known for having more colleges than just about any other state, (we are number 9 for number of colleges) and yet folks want to refuse the good advice one can find here for FREE! Folks from all over the world come here to convene with some of the best brains on the planet! When it was just "their loss" I was fine with it. Now, when it is my own close family at risk and myself, not satisfied! I have also noted, that in my rural area, there is a movement to not only flaunt social distancing recommendations and rules, but also other laws regarding social conduct. For example, two weekends ago a gang of three wheelers rode up and down the streets in my neighborhood for quite a while, knowing full well that ORVs are not allowed on public roads. It was totally annoying because we were outside trying to enjoy the beauty and peace of our yard. It's happening on a regular basis now, folks going out and engaging in socially disruptive behavior, I guess either hoping to draw folks into conflicts or hoping no one will come out to stop them from the local neighborhood. My friend's husband is a policeman, and this is totally adding to their stress unnecessarily since they are not only having to police serious crimes, but respond to the health crisis as well. So they do not need to deal with things like folks setting off firecrackers, etc.which are totally avoidable. Regarding the three wheelers, eventually they got bored and moved on, but such things are happening on a regular basis in my neighborhood, gangs of trucks and motorcyclists driving around revving their motors, etc. And I'm not talking about groups gathering for socially distancing parties, which we had up the street from us. That was very clear what was going on as the cars all had "Happy Birthday" balloons decorating them. There are several cases of church communities being ravaged by the virus here in MI and some folks have lost MULTIPLE family members. We stopped going to church before it was cancelled, and we intend to keep on participating virtually. The biggest issue for me is how to continue to support local feeding efforts which our church was heavily involved in as volunteers. I am having to remind myself to regularly donate to the food pantry now online with money instead of food, and also not forget to regularly tithe at church.

"No offense to my American friends, but the border between Canada and the US is closed with some exceptions (trade for example); but I'll be happy to see it stay closed for however long it takes." I'll bet you and your fellow Canadians never expected that your southern border would be with a nation run like a Third World country, complete with a dictator as if it were a "banana republic". I don't blame Canada for keeping that border closed.

Good to know about Botanus - colchicums are hard to find but they carry a variety that I could settle for but was wondering about shipping so far - good to hear they're sound. I found Breck's but Vesey has some reasonable options that I think I'll go for instead. I'll look into Ms. Harris' writings - I have so much to learn...every time I look up smth, I realize how much more I still do not know! If you sign up for Vesey's catalogues and their online newsletter, you'll get discount codes for free shipping. I live in rural Alberta where mail order is pretty a much a necessity for a lot of plant items. I don't begrudge any small independent Canadian company the need to charge shipping, especially when Canada Post rates are constantly increasing. And particularly now during a pandemic when maintaining a business is so fraught. We have so few mail order nurseries and garden supply outfits in Canada compared to the US, it's always a tragedy when one closes or goes out of business or the owner retires. The best thing you can do to keep costs down and increase your success rate, especially with mail order bulbs, live plants, and seeds, is to do lots and lots of reading and research into varieties for your area. Phoenix Perennials in BC is also a very good mail order source I can recommend, and I believe they've had Mont Blanc alliums in the past. Again, sign up for the online newsletters so you find out what they have available when. Rare and/or popular varieties go fast. A list like this -- perennials by bloom time through the season -- is helpful. You want plants blooming throughout the season; it's also helpful to choose plants that have interesting/attractive foliage, https://landscapeontario.com/perennials-in-bloom-month-by-month Annuals are a good way to have interest throughout the growing season, and also good to fill in blank spaces. You could plant California poppies (Eschscholzia) in orange, for the cost of a package of seeds : ) .

I have a coworker who will call me to complain that he went somewhere and there were some people in there with no mask on. I ask him "Were you wearing one?" And after a pause he will say, "Well, NO but I forgot it in my car, and I was not going to walk all the way back to get it, and I am the one at risk, I am 71 and diabetic, and if anyone says anything to me about not wearing one I'll tell them off." So he thinks its important for everyone else to wear a mask, just not himself. It's a conversation that we have over and over. He will spout the importance of everyone wearing masks, but really doesn't think it matters if he wears one or not. What do you do with that? I just roll my eyes and change the subject.