Reiko's Journey

Jinsei No Tabi

A life’s winding path and all the experiences along the way…

人生の旅

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Christmas Eve Dinner

The expectation

I’m having a sumptuous Costco lasagna for tonight’s Christmas Eve dinner. That’s unless my lazy gene kicks in and I order Chinese takeout. Could go either way. It’s raining like crazy.

On the other hand, Reiko-chan, princess that she is, requested that I prepare for her a juicy Prime Rib. Visions of succulent roast beef, slowly roasted to medium rare perfection au jus with that perfect crust of spices danced in her deranged little Mauzer head. Lots of scrumptious side dishes and maybe even some creamed horseradish. There were doggie mutters about pairing a nice Petrus.

As a doting DogDad I said sure, no problem.

Sadly, there is this thing about expectations versus reality.

So, here ya go, little dog. Enjoy your Prime Rib. It’s by that famous chef Cesar. He might be French. But I doubt it. I’ll save some lasagna, or maybe house chow mein for you.

The reality: majorly unimpressed.

By the way, Possy wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. She and her umpteen babies are planning to go to Granny Possum’s den for a Christmas Eve dinner of snails, figs, and insects plus whatever she can scrounge along the way from pet food bowls left on the neighborhood patios overnight.

But I think she has been drinking because….wait for it….she looks like she is…in her cups.

Snorf.

Off to see Grandma ‘Possum for Christmas Eve dinner. The kids table will be busy.

Merry Christmas everybody. Wishes for warmth, happiness, health, peace and love to each of you.

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49 responses to “Christmas Eve Dinner”

  1. Tynecastle Avatar
    Tynecastle

    A good Christmas to you and Reikpo, also Old Man.
    You have delighted all of us with your return.

    Reply
    1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
      Reiko’s Journey

      As I raise my glass tonight (and you know I shall) I’ll be sending kind wishes your way, my friend. I hope your holidays bring health and happiness. And warmth, since you live in such a godforsaken frozen place. (Darn, I was doing so well at being nice up until that last sentence. Oh well, maybe next year.) Say hi to the local cats for me. Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  2. Helen Devries Avatar
    Helen Devries

    Merry Christmas to you and the princess…I’m glad she brought you back to cheer us up!
    I should be careful where you put that lasagne….after the demise of toy dog she might have ideas that jumping onto higher surfaces may bring rewards….if so, enjoy your Cesar!
    c

    Reply
    1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
      Reiko’s Journey

      Good point. I will defend my lasagna against small canine predators. By the way, are you aware you spelled “lasagna” incorrectly? Colourful, but poor behaviour.

      Reply
      1. Helen Devries Avatar
        Helen Devries

        Lasagna? We must have adapted it to english. to make it acceptable….

        Reply
        1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
          Reiko’s Journey

          I asked AI to explain this issue. Here’s the response:

          Lasagna (singular): Refers to a single sheet of the wide pasta or the entire baked dish (especially in America).

          Lasagne (plural): Refers to multiple sheets of pasta or multiple servings of the dish (common in Italy and the UK).

          So let’s call a truce (for once) and agree that we are both right but that I am just a little bit more right than you. Fair enough?

          Reply
          1. lois Avatar
            lois

            Do not concede, Helen. I can see where this is going…and it is all downhill from there. Fair enough, Tom? heh heh heh…

            Reply
            1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
              Reiko’s Journey

              I think I hear your cats calling you, Lois. Better go see what they want.

              Reply
          2. Helen Devries Avatar
            Helen Devries

            You expect a Scot to agree to that? We are renowned as an obstinate and prideful race….not without foundation….

            Reply
            1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
              Reiko’s Journey

              Nailed the description of Scots! 😁 But I’m currently listening to a fabulous rendition of Panis Angelicus, sipping my first glass of wine and feeling mellow so, OK. For just this once, I’ll accept that either spelling is acceptable. Caught me at a weak moment. Call off Lois.

              Reply
              1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
                Reiko’s Journey

                The song version is Elina Garanča at the 2008 Dresden Adventskonzert. Love me my mezzo-sopranos. ❤

                Reply
            2. Tynecastle Avatar
              Tynecastle

              I’m not sure ‘obstinate’ is the correct word, just ‘right,’ surely?

              Reply
              1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
                Reiko’s Journey

                My favorite is pertinacious but I’d accept mulish as well.

                Reply
  3. marthadilo3 Avatar
    marthadilo3

    Merry Christmas! Chester is looking forward to ham and rolls provided by the 8 year old grandson who falls for the puppy eyes. It will ban exciting new year!

    Reply
    1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
      Reiko’s Journey

      That explains why Mr. Chester has been poised in front of the mirror these past few days – he was perfecting the puppy-eyed beg routine. I’m sure he is a master of persuasion and if not, brute force – an 8 year old kid shouldn’t be much of a challenge. I hope everyone over there in “lake effect” snow country stays warm and toasty and has a wonderful holiday. I didn’t see anything about bell ringing this year – what’s the scoop?

      Reply
  4. lois Avatar
    lois

    Merry Christmas to you, Tom. And the little pupster. Oh, what the heck, to Possy, too. Snails, figs and insects….she does know how to set out a spread!

    Reply
    1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
      Reiko’s Journey

      Merry Christmas back at ya, Louise! Lots of fun sassin’ you this year and I’m girding my loins to fight on in 2026. I’m not quite sure what “girding one’s loins” means (I think it’s like marinating a pork loin) but I’ll be ready. Are you setting a special cat table this holiday like you always do?

      Reply
      1. lois Avatar
        lois

        Please keep girding…we shall see how that goes. Funny you should mention a cat table. We have started putting away two of the five since they have a tendency to jump on the table at the most inappropriate times–like when there is food on the table. The others merely mill around and secretly revel in the fact that they still have access at all to the kitchen.
        Keep sassing, Tommy boy. We’ll see how 2026 treats us. 😺

        Reply
        1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
          Reiko’s Journey

          Hmmm. Somehow I feel I can relate to pets jumping on elevated surfaces and doing whatever they darn please be it eating forbidden foods or destroying cute, innocent plush dog toys. Cat jail sounds appropriate for the rascals among your clowder. Like that…”clowder?”

          Reply
          1. lois Avatar
            lois

            I kills me to say, but I did not know this. Of course I Googled it. Just to be sure.

            Reply
            1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
              Reiko’s Journey

              Just call me Senpai.

              Reply
      2. Helen Devries Avatar
        Helen Devries

        Not only are we obstinate and prideful, but educated – heirs of the enlightenment. Not to speak of ministers and dominies encouraging the faint hearted to gird up their loins.

        There are instructional videos should you be tempted to strut your stuff in the neighbourhood with loins duly girded…..

        Reply
        1. Helen Devries Avatar
          Helen Devries

          Faugh!

          Reply
        2. Reiko's Journey Avatar
          Reiko’s Journey

          Good face painters, too. I saw that historically accurate documentary Braveheart. Freedom!

          Reply
        3. Tynecastle Avatar
          Tynecastle

          I could find a few videos to give him instructions…

          Reply
          1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
            Reiko’s Journey

            You probably prefer that other fine Scot, Tom Hardy.

            Reply
  5. Julia Avatar
    Julia

    Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you, Rekio, and Possy.

    Reply
    1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
      Reiko’s Journey

      Thank you Julia. Reiko sends her special Christmas hello to Nox and hopes Nox gets her fair share of the eats and knowing your kitchen talents, that’s gonna be some fine eats.

      Reply
      1. Julia Avatar
        Julia

        Nox thanks Reiko and wishes Reiko a Happy Christmas! Nox assures Reiko that Reikowill get some treats, but Nox thinks they may not be as good as the Nox treats. Nox wishes her wonderful bacon-providing uncle could cook better for the poor Reiko.

        Reply
        1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
          Reiko’s Journey

          What part of deli-shaved oven roasted turkey lunch meat doesn’t sound delicious? Sometimes a piece of Sargento medium cheddar cheese is included.

          Reply
          1. Julia Avatar
            Julia

            Well, just to make Reiko envious, Nox got some standing rib roast bits from our Christmas Eve dinner tonight. We didn’t have any cheese, so no cheese for Nox!

            Reply
            1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
              Reiko’s Journey

              Obligatory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGeKSiCQkPw

              Reply
              1. Julia Avatar
                Julia

                😂 I’ve seen this one before! It makes me laugh every time I watch it!

                Reply
  6. doesitevenmatter3 Avatar
    doesitevenmatter3

    HA!!!!!!!!!!!! 😀 (Possy started celebrating early! I like that! 😉 😛 )
    A VERY Merry Christmas to you, to Possy, and to Queen Rekio!!! 🙂
    I am thankful for all 3 of you and I am wishing you love, joy, health, and peace! 🙂
    (((HUGS)))) ❤️💚🌟💚❤️
    PS…Granny Possum’s den sounds like THE place to be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🥳🙃🤪

    Reply
    1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
      Reiko’s Journey

      Possy’s a party ‘possum. She’s a big fan of alliteration, too. I think she was nipping the Irish coffees since early this morning and is now singing Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer which, as you’ll remember, is Lois’ favorite Christmas carol when tipsy (which is often.) Anyway, Merry Christmas to you and yours, Carolyn, it’s been fun this year and I’ve enjoyed your comments so much. ❤

      Reply
      1. doesitevenmatter3 Avatar
        doesitevenmatter3

        YAY for party animals…possum or not-possum!!! 😉 😀

        You and Reiko have added such fun! Thank you so much!!! 🙂

        Reply
        1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
          Reiko’s Journey

          Awww…you’re sweet. Our invoice should be there by the end of the week.

          Reply
  7. Bitey Dog Avatar
    Bitey Dog

    Before I saw the caption below, I thought the photo was depicting the consequences of Possy getting pissed and popping out a passel of pint-sized pipsqueaks on her previously free-spirted maternal back.

    Merry Christmas to all, and to all a meal of grubs and lasagna/lasagne! 🍝 🐛

    Reply
    1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
      Reiko’s Journey

      And to you, Leslie, I wish firstly good health and a new year free of the afflictions that slow you down despite your warrior-worthy responses. May you also have a year of happiness, good sales, comic inspiration and patience with Monster Murphy, RE (rascal exceptional). As I type this I can look up and see a portrait of Max that you painted- good memories – and more to come, I hope. I’ll have my grubs with a nice béarnaise sauce, please.

      Reply
      1. Bitey Dog Avatar
        Bitey Dog

        Aw, your wish is too much!

        I would settle for simply winning the Power Ball.

        Reply
        1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
          Reiko’s Journey

          Unless you moved to Arkansas two nights ago, probably no joy.

          Reply
          1. Bitey Dog Avatar
            Bitey Dog

            ☹️

            Reply
            1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
              Reiko’s Journey

              Yeah, me too.

              Reply
              1. Bitey Dog Avatar
                Bitey Dog

                Would it be enough if we self-identify as Arkansans?

                Reply
  8. NEERAJ SINGH Avatar
    NEERAJ SINGH

    Nice ♥️

    Reply
    1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
      Reiko’s Journey

      I know you folks have Gurpurab and Vaisakhi but is Christmas a secular event at all for Sikh?

      Reply
  9. Xena and Lucy Avatar
    Xena and Lucy

    Poor Reiko. Promised prime rib and received canned dog food.
    Enjoy your frozen lasagne, or possibly your chow mein. May your Christmas, Reiko’s Christmas, and the possoms’ Christmas all be happy ones!

    Reply
    1. Reiko's Journey Avatar
      Reiko’s Journey

      It was lasagna. As it turned out, Reiko got some Blue Buffalo Homestyle Chicken Dinner With Garden Vegetables. It smelled pretty good. I was thinking of sharing.

      Reply
  10. Bourbon Whiskey Avatar
    Bourbon Whiskey

    Backpack Boyz has garnered a reputation for high-quality products in USA.

    Backpack Boyz has garnered a reputation for high-quality products in USA.

    https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMHEqgt4Xuvtc-YdCPY

    Reply

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