Big Bang Theory

In the beginning there was nothing, which exploded. How does this make sense? To my simple mind it doesn't, it is impossible and therefore it isn't what happened. So if nothing didn't explode and then expand into the universe we inhabit what did happen? If we accept that our universe did start with an explosion where there was nothing before that's a little more believable. So now we have an explosion occurring where nothing existed before, so far so good.  But now we ask what exploded and where did it explode from to appear where there was nothing before? I have no answers, I'm not a scientist, I just don't know. But I wonder what happens to all the matter which is swallowed by a black hole. Yes I know a black hole can grow but can it grow for ever? Can something with a gravitational field so strong that it can rip stars apart and even capture light really remain in a stable state? I have doubts that it is possible for a black hole to remain stable for eternity. I have no foundation whatever for my suspicions but it wouldn't surprise me if, at some time in the future, it was discovered that our universe was spawned by a black hole.  A black hole that has reached some type of critical stage and has done what appears impossible and imploded. This idea, to me, is no more stupid than the idea that nothing can explode, and it has the advantage of rounding the circle as I don't believe that anything can appear from nothing.  This thought, and that's all it is, a thought, gives no explanation of how such a process could occur or how it could occur or expand into somewhere it isn't.  Please could someone explain to me why what I postulate is both impossible and stupid.  

Bank of Scotland (In My View) Very Bad Practice

I am used to using internet banking and am usually happy with the procedure, but today when I attempted to log onto my account I was unable to proceed to my accounts without accepting terms which I feel would lead to my receiving an increase in spam from the bank and others.  I was not presented with any way to bypass this option.  This means that I am unable to use online banking.  When I called the help line they were unable to bypass this option for me and let me have access to my accounts.  Why ask me to accept terms that obviously aren't optional.  In my view this is extremely bad practice.  For the moment I would advise everyone to avoid the Bank of Scotland and as I suspect this is a part of the Lloyd s banking group as is Halifax it might be best to avoid them as well, though I'm not sure if they offer a similar non option.
I am unhappy enough about this to change banks if the situation isn't resolved.  The only thing I will say in their favor is that so far the android app on my phone isn't giving this problem.
Has anyone else come across a similar non option which they feel unhappy about accepting?
Did finally, after some insistence, get hold of a very helpful man called Dave who could understand my concern and gave me a some faith that he would pass on my concern.  So in the end I am reasonably happy that something will be done about it.

27/01/2014
As an add on to the above, I would say that after spending some time on the phone I got through to a gentleman called Dave. He checked that what I said was correct and promised to get back to me.  Dave was as good as his word and has just got back to me. Apparently what I was seeing was correct and intended and there is no way round it.  I think the Bank of Scotland and possibly Lloyds banking group are being arrogant and stupid, they will offend customers with this attitude. Dave aside I am very unhappy with the situation and if it isn't removed I will change banks as a point of principle

Orchard

A view of my orchard from the top.  I have planted three more plum trees and another apple this weekend, all four were maiden bare root.  They are two Seneca plums, one Jubilee plum and a Pinova apple.  I have started another row and have planted them at five meter centres.  The plums are on St Juliens A rootstock and the apple is on MM106 rootstock both these root stocks should give a tree of between three and four meters high and the planting distance of five meters should be about right.  The centre three rows are planted at twice that distance but that's because we are going for looks as well as fruit, but I may fill in the gaps if it seems appropriate.  But I suspect that unless I find a market for any surplus fruit I will produce more fruit than I can easily use.  Anyone got a cider press for sale?

Yesterdays planting.  I will have to keep the hedge well trimmed if I am to get the best from these trees.  Another job!

Writing the sequel.

Now I really must get on with writing. I'm three chapters into the sequel to "The Way In" And this is the book that I started out to write the first time but I have a feeling its going to be a similar experience and it may turn out to take three more books to tell the story. I have also started another unrelated story which I will write along side this so I have something to turn to when I'm stuck. If anyone wants a preview I'm happy to let you have a look, provided you are willing to give me feedback and suggestions. 

Places and Feelings

I made a delivery yesterday to a farm that was hidden at the end of a track in the middle of a small rural village. I have never delivered here before, I couldn't see into the yard from the entrance to the track so I backed down to the first turn, stopped, got out and went for a look. It was only a small delivery so after looking at the first corner I put the goods in my barrow and wheeled them in, this was by far the easiest option. But what I found remarkable was the farm yard. It was one of those places which seem to exude feelings of timelessness and peace. It was as if someone had really loved the place and passed away leaving such a sense of peace and serenity that the feelings soaked into the buildings and land to remain and effect anyone entering the yard.  It was the sort of place I could sit content and soak in the atmosphere. Perhaps it was just that it was a good day holding the promise of spring in its gentle sunshine, but I don't think so.  I think someone had really lived that place and that's what I could feel. What do you think? Are there places that effect you like that?

Sounds of Spring

The weather remains mild for the time of year and I am beginning to see catkins on the hazel bushes by the road side.  I haven't seen any snowdrops yet but if this weather continues it won't be long.  I heard a Mistle Thrush singing for the second time today.  These large thrushes are amazing birds once they start their spring songs they don't give up easily, I have heard them singing in rain storms and I think in snow storms as if everything in the world was beautiful.

A High Walk and More Rabbit Troubles

On Saturday my wife decided to have a day off, she's a teacher and works most every day weekends included.  The first stop was a problem, Monks Cross shopping centre, I hate the place and didn't get out of the car.  Yes I can be a miserable git at times.  Next stop a visit to my Mother for a couple of hours.  Much better than Monks Cross.  For a change we decided to go for a walk, not able to think of anywhere else I suggested the Humber Bridge.  I have driven over it many times and had crossed it a couple of days before for a delivery.  I noticed people walking over it at the time and thought it would make an interesting walk.  So we went, the only problem was that we followed the signs to the car park, there are road works going on on the bridge and on the approach so before knew what was happening I had joined the queue for the toll booth with no possible way to turn round.  But when I explained the situation the woman in the booth said to cross the bridge and come back so I could enter the car park form the other side of the road.  This problem must happen regularly as they haven't bothered to redirect traffic to the other car park entrance.  The result was we got to cross the bridge twice, once by car there and back and once on foot there and back.  Another happy discovery, the car park was free as was the entry to the bridge by foot.  The day was bright clear and breezy but well wrapped up the experience was great and well worth the effort.  Just before we got back in the car i heard the first Mistle Thrush of the year singing in the trees surrounding the car park.  I have been worried about the lack of thrush song, even though the weather has been good.  It's as if the birds know something I don't, perhaps the weather is going to turn and we are to be covered in snow.

What an amazing construction.

Had a walk round the orchard this morning and found more rabbit damage on one tree and rabbit damage on two ornamental trees that my wife planted in the garden.  I had to fit more rabbit guards on the two trees in the garden and add to the protection of the tree in the orchard.  But on the good side there appears to be one less rabbit, I think and hope the buzzard has been feeding well on these demons sent to destroy my fruit trees.