The unbridled joy of witnessing night after night of national pride, the full frontal exposure to the best of humanity, has left me wanting more.
As a confirmed curmudgeon I do not normally indulge my tribal side, but I was lifted-up and carried along on the shoulders of giants as the Olympics and then the Paralympics inspired me to cheer, leap to my feet and cry salt tears of wonder and admiration as athletes pushed themselves to the limits.
I haven't wanted to let go of that euphoria, but its evaporated in the heat of swerving and avoiding roadworks that have broken out across London, like some scabby plague pimpling the Capital's streets and erupting in giant sores capable of bursting bike tyres and snapping spokes.
The Olympic world created a dream London. Full of happy people, fields of wildflowers, darting wagtails on the running track and playful coots sparring with grebes; even the Thames seemed to sparkle like a silver medal, turning to gold as the sun set.
Looming strikes, unhappy people and a return to the twin-obsessions of the weather and the economy add to a general feeling of fatigue. Top-less and bottom-less Royals have provided some distraction, but I need some wholesome happiness to get me ready for winter.
The chilly mornings are a hint of what's to come. Soon we'll be ankle-deep in falling leaves and short of daylight hours. This is the time to start planning work on any outdoor space you may have. Whether it's a windowsill, balcony, back-yard, shared space or garden. Consider where the sun strikes, lines of sight and don't forget it's three dimensional so height is important too. Think of the structure and how to prepare winter shelter, spring colour and nectar, followed by lush summer greenery and maybe a harvest of herbs, veg or fruit.
Live the dream and make it a reality. That outdoor space can become that special place you retreat to when the scabby roads and unsmiling faces become too much. As Mo Farrar put it.. "It's all hard work and graft", but obviously worth it judging by his infectious smile and the public shows of support and respect.