Well I said I was going to go with the flow and leave my moaning about the Games behind (time for that after it finishes and we count the cost) and enjoy the spectacle of it all. From the moment the Queen said Good Evening Mr Bond, I knew all was going to be well.
First day or so was a bit disappointing, medals we expected failed to materialise and then Bradley 'Wiggo' Wiggins kicked started it all off with his bike and his sideburns and his skinny little legs going like pistons and from that moment on it has been non stop.
As I write this we are third, yes third, in the medal table behind China and the USA and, let's face it, we ain't gonna beat them, but that is quite a feat. Yesterday we had two golds in 96 seconds, one in rifle shooting, one in rowing and it went on and on. Today we have had two golds in cycling, one in rowing and three bronzes - I think. And then to crown a superb day Andy Murray beat Djokovitch to guarantee a Silver medal and goes on to meet Federer in the final fight for the gold. Fed had quite a tricky match only getting through something like 13-11 in the final set against del Potro. Oh I so wanted him to lose but now we have a repeat of the Wimbers final and I hope it does not rain as the roof being closed will be of benefit to Rog. I cannot put into words how much I dislike Federer. it is totally irrational and unfair I know, but the smirk, the smugness really gets on my tits and I so hope that Murray is able to prevail over the five sets which will need to be played and wipe the Smugmeister off the court.
The crowd support has been phenomenal and the opening day of the athletics saw every single seat sold out with the cheering and yelling for each heat as if it was the final and they were all racing for the gold. The Olympic SIte is busy and thronged with happy campers who are all having a wonderful time.
Only downside to all of this, from the business point of view, is that London is deserted. Shops and restaurants are empty and the streets are clear to the point where the Olympic Lanes are open to all traffic. The Tube and the Buses are half full and this is due to what some people are now calling scare tactics, when so many fearsome tales of traffic jams and horrendous squashes on the Underground were portrayed. This seems to have scared everyone so much they have either decided to work at home or have gone on holiday or are just not venturing into the city. Now would be a really good time to visit the Tower of London or Madame Tussauds or other tourist attractions as there is nobody there!
I can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction when hoteliers who ratcheted up their prices for the Games, now find they have empty rooms they can't give away. Serves them right say I. I think everyone is getting so involved it is going to be quite difficult to imagine what it will be like when they are over and life tries to get back to normal. I have heard that the Closing Ceremony is going to give us about 300 ballerinas, including Darcy Bussell, and heaven knows what else. if it is one tenth as wonderful as the opening evening, we will be in for a treat.
But, in the meantime, Kathryn is still here, wonderful time with all the family together - emotional as well - she is currently chilling out on a Spanish beach with her best friend for a few days, and then when she gets back more whirlwind days as we cram as much in as possible before she has to return to Australia. I am simply dreading that but as I will be going out to see her next February, it will only be a few months to bear this time. And, in the meantime, a second grandchild will be here and it will all be wonderful.
Slightly incoherent post I am afraid but don't know whether I am on my head or my heels at the moment, so much going on. Throw in that I am looking after three cats belonging to my neighbours this weekend while they are away for a few days, and I have my hands full.
It is all Too Much to Bear.
Nah, not really...............
