Annual reminder

Today, Michaelmas Day, marks the end of the blackberrying season. (On account of Satan losing his fight with St. Michael and wetting himself when he landed in a blackberry bush.)

That's the kind of reasoning I can live with. 

Yesterday, as we left our halfway hotel in France in the earlyish morning, I commented on the skies. "Red sky in the morning shepherd's warning."
"Not necessarily," said Husband.
"Why?" I laughed. "Because we're in France?"
Husband nodded. 
"Seriously?"
"Yes, it all depends on the prevailing winds."

He then went on to explain the scientific theory that backed up the saying.

At the end I said, "Well, thank you for ruining my happy little belief in old country folk lore."

Something else that probably has a scientific explanation - but I'm going with magic - happened on holiday.

When we visit Italy we stay in a separate bungalow owned by Nuora's father. It's just up the hill from the house in which Younger Son and family live. I say, "just up the hill"; it's a steep hill. I have to stop and grab a breath about two thirds of the way up.

The bungalow is just behind that little fence at the top. It may not look far in this photo but trust me it's not a walk you want to make too often in the day.

So, on this occasion we'd left our car parked outside the house and we were up in the bungalow. Younger Son needed to get something that happened to be in our car. He messaged Husband to ask him to unlock it. Husband pointed the remote control key but with no success. He sighed. "We're too far away. I'll have to go down."

But Younger Son messaged again. "Hold the key against your head and try."

Husband did as he was told and hey presto! The car unlocked.

Science? Or magic?