Reiko's Journey

Jinsei No Tabi

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

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New Year’s Eve

Sorry, not feeling that New Year’s spirit.

I’ll be honest with you guys.

2025 was a bitch kitty year for me and as I prepare for 2026 to arrive, I’m finding it tough to have an upbeat attitude.

Is “Bah Humbug” applicable to New Year’s Eve? If not, it should be.

I wrote a full post about New Year’s Eve, but then I erased it because I don’t do maudlin. I’m just not into buzz killin,’ don’cha know.

Anyway, I figured the image of me and Reiko’s AI doppelganger pretty much said it all. And yes, that really is me.

So go on. Get out of here.

Go have an adult beverage if that’s your thing but get a designated driver so you can come back and read more of the silliness here in 2026. Hug your loved ones.

Oh yeah, Reiko-chan decided to follow the Japanese tradition of “Osoji” which is decluttering before the new year. She totally decluttered the dining room table while I was at the gym.

Thanks, Reiko.

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27 responses to “New Year’s Eve”

  1. Tynecastle Avatar
    Tynecastle

    That table was well decluttered, Reiko! Well done!
    A good New Year to you Reiko, and that old codger who is useful in feeding you.
    You will make his year much better, and both of you will have fun, fun fun!

    All the best to you.

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

      Tynecastle – thank you my friend and right back at ya. I’ll think of you sitting in your favorite pub tonight having a whisky whiskey. I can almost hear you ordering it:

      “We’ll have a round of Bell’s…neat…no ice…it’s how it’s meant to be, right?”

      Reply
      1. Tynecastle Avatar
        Tynecastle

        WHISKY! And not ‘Bells,’ they sold out to the English government long ago, even producing ‘British Whisky!!!!!!!’

        A Good New Year to you both.

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

          “Alright lads, we’ll have a round of Scotch – Teacher’s Highland Cream – with ice, topped up with soda in the biggest glass you’ve got. Make it a double…it’s cheap.”

          Reply
          1. Tynecastle Avatar
            Tynecastle

            Cheap….?

            Reply
  2. Bizzy Avatar
    Bizzy

    It’s going to be a not-big night around here, too: “Run Away” on Netflix, an extra-large bowl of popcorn and uncaffeinated diet soda. Woo-hoo.🥳

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

      If only you had a really, really big and snuggly dog that you could cuddle with…

      Reply
  3. lois Avatar
    lois

    It is pretty obvious to me that Ryan Seacrest had some ‘work’ done–he doesn’t even look like himself. And 8 hours of rockin’ in the New Year with him? That doesn’t work for me.
    Poor little Reiko staring into her drink. Of course, it is missing an umbrella, sweetheart. I think that’s what she was searching for when she ‘accidentally’ rearranged your dining room table.
    I hope 2026 is a better year, Tom. The bright spot is you get to spend it here with all of us! Let’s get this party started!😸🎉🍾

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

      Ryan Seacrest is a vampire, work or no work. I mean, he’s a 103, right? My stretch goal tonight is 8:30 but as I said before, it’s 50/50 at the bookies. I’m ready to give 2026 a try, so yeah, let’s go! No umbrella drinks until it warms up a bit. Maybe a hot toddy or a Tom & Jerry or some mulled wine for Miss Destroy Every Thing I Can See. Happy New Year, Lois.

      Reply
  4. marthadilo3 Avatar
    marthadilo3

    I too am not feeling it except that is I did hear a handbell version of “Mr. blue Sky” and had to spend some of Decibells’ hard earned money on the sheet music. That helped a little, although it’s really hard and they probably won’t be able to play it. I also bought a version of “Close to You.” So maybe it will be the year of spending money. Reiko doesn’t care one whit about your lack of happiness and cheer. She is loving her newfound talent in destruction. She does show an aptitude for it! Happy new year anyway, it certainly will be good with that little pistol of a doggie!

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

      Finally a Decibells update. Seriously, I thought you either gave it up, got shunned by the other belles (heh) or developed palsy and starting playing Johnny B. Goode on loop. Well it’s a time for resolutions and maybe you could suggest to Mr. Chester that he resolve to be kinder and treat all stuffies like Bunny. It would be a stretch but maybe he could make progress. Happy New Year to you and your clan.

      Reply
  5. Helen Devries Avatar
    Helen Devries

    Reiko is going to make sure 2026 is a damned sight better than 2025 for you…..I admire her energy at sweeping all before her on the table….my lot are too old and fat to bother any more – well, except for the pack of pork I left there – and in a way I miss the carnage.

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

      It would take a lot to make 2026 a worse year but I’m not going to tempt fate by saying that too loudly. Reiko is doing her job of keeping me entertained and engaged very well if frustrating at times. Right now she is standing in the hall barking (that’s new since no drugs) at a pile of bed linens that, by tradition must be washed before midnight. My dog is barking at a blanket. It doesn’t bode well.

      Reply
      1. Helen Devries Avatar
        Helen Devries

        So you have the ‘wash everything’ tradition too!

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

          Oh yes. Osoji means declutter but it also refers to the tradition that everything – and i mean everything – has to be washed before midnight as an act of purification before the new year. The post that I erased talked about that and other customs which I find myself doing even though I am solo and not Japanese. My Irish/Polish ancestors weren’t really into Osoji. So I’ll eat my special toshikoshi soba noodles for long life and listen to at least a few of the 108 times the temple bells are rung and I decided my beverage of choice tonight is sake. (You can see where this is going and that’s why I erased the post. 😁)

          Reply
  6. doesitevenmatter3 Avatar
    doesitevenmatter3

    AW. 🙁
    Understood. ❤️

    I’m so glad Reiko is doing the decluttering! She is on the ball! You go, girl! 😉 😀

    I wish you and feisty Queen Reiko THE kindest, sweetest, bestest, courageous-est, healthiest, most wonderfulest 2026!!! Here’s to more naps and more laughs! 😀

    Thank you for the joy you two bring to me! I root for you both every day! Many (((HUGS))) and Much love…❤️🎇🎉❤️🕛❤️

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

    We look forward every day to your comments and enjoy your friendship enormously. I wish Coop were around to party tonight. I guess he and Max are up by the Bridge probably quaffing doggie cocktails, wearing lampshade hats and playing 80s music while dancing badly on their short legs. Oh wait… that was your plan for tonight, right? Just kidding, my friend. Happiest of New Years to you and the gang. Love ya Carolyn.❤

    Reply
    1. doesitevenmatter3 Avatar
      doesitevenmatter3

      Yes, I wish Coop and Max were with us tonight. But you are right about them partying together up by The Bridge. 🙂 That makes me happy! 🙂
      Ha! Those plans do sound fun! 😛 My plans were fun, but not as wild. 🙂
      Keep up the kidding! 😉 Thank you and love ya’, too! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Julia Avatar
    Julia

    Reiko, the Goddess of Reduction (rhymes with destruction) appears to be enjoying herself at your expense (pun meant). Just how did she manage to get up on the table? Did she pull a Nox trick and climb up using a chair? Was she hoping to find butter? That’s what Nox wants to know. Nox is very proud of climbing onto the dining room table and making off with an entire stick of butter! Now, Nox says she is a dignified old dog and does not climb up on tables anymore. Nox admires Rieko’s abilities and cheers her on. Nox feels Rieko has redeemed herself for not liking bacon.

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

      Reiko is an amazing climber and jumper. Must be the schnauzer influence because Malts tend to be a little heavy in the butt as jumpers. Reiko gets on the table using the chairs even though they are pushed in. The slightest crack of space and she worms her way up the back of the chair to the table and then chaos ensues. So far, she has not been introduced to butter like Nox. She continues to pass on bacon. Odd.

      Reply
      1. Julia Avatar
        Julia

        Nox continues to worry that Rekio doesn’t like bacon 🥓. She is impressed by Rekio’s climbing and jumping ability. Ah when I was young, my legs had springs and I could jump so high. My dog mom and DogDad were always afraid I would leap off and hurt myself.

        Reply
  9. Bitey Dog Avatar
    Bitey Dog

    My heart hurts for both you and Reiko. This year will be an incredible year of healing and bonding for you both. ❤️

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

      Thanks. It’ll be interesting to see how 2026 shapes up. I started off at the gym at 7 this morning so no slacking here. I’m most curious as to when I may be allowed the first pet. We should start a betting pool.

      Reply
      1. Bitey Dog Avatar
        Bitey Dog

        Use the tranquilizer. Stack the deck.

        Reply
  10. Xena and Lucy Avatar
    Xena and Lucy

    OMD Reiko! You are really coming out of yourself. (Maybe try things that are a little nice, though!)
    May 2026 be a time of healing and laughter and hope and all good things for you.

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

      I think she found out that Santa’s naughty list expired for the year so she’s squeezing in all the rascally behavior she can between now and next year’s holiday season.

      Reply
      1. Xena and Lucy Avatar
        Xena and Lucy

        🤣🤣

        Reply

Love to hear from ya

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