Blue Skies

As summer comes in, and days grow warmer, we sometimes experience marvellously bright, blue skies over Norfolk. My spirits rise as the brilliant light seems to pick out every leaf and twig on bushes and trees, and Willie Nelson’s plaintive singing runs through my mind: Blue skies, smiling at me, Nothing but blue skies do I see.

Driving the car, or on foot, the arresting beauty of the Island is made breathtakingly clear. Flowers, trees and roadside vegetation appear newly washed and cows and horses graze contentedly in the lush, green fields.

Hibiscus flowers sway, and stretch out to the sun, in the faint, cool breeze while tiny wisps of high, white cloud float lazily in the azure heavens; with darker blue glimpses of the ocean glistening on the horizon.

December is here – with all its attendant end-of-year excitement and traditions. Christmas is coming, and the shops are dressed in tinsel and colourful decorations. Norfolk Pines stand, cool and dark, on Mount Pitt and beside Bumboras and Emily Bay - giant Christmas trees in the dazzling sunlight. The Island glows with vitality and the promise of a new season.

I visualise lazy days at the beach, fish and chips (and icecreams!) by the sea, and drowsily reading in the hammock. There are tantalising images of long, summer evenings on the ‘randa with music, relaxed conversation and glasses of chilled wine. I look forward to early morning walks with the dog when the sun glints across the sea at Kingston, and the air is fresh and dewy.

The recent rains, and mist, are gone – for the present – and Willie’s voice again echoes in my head: Blue days, all of them gone, Nothing but blue skies from now on.

Written by Jenny Jauczius