A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-08-04....A Bracebridge Christmas Revisited

Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

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~ Billie, Mama_Bear, dutchess, dansangel, Aquamarine ~

Some Mannheim Steamroller Christmas music
to accompany today's Christmas presentation.

Veni Veni (O Come, O Come Emanuel)
I Saw Three Ships
Pat A Pan
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Still, Still, Still
O Come All Ye Faithfull
(Aquamarine, thank you for finding
this music for our holiday enjoyment.)

One of the most creative transformations of an English Christmas story is the annual Bracebridge Dinner in Yosemite National Park. Sheer granite cliffs serve as the backdrop for the Bracebridge Dinner at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley each Christmas. The granite face of Yosemite Falls is framed in frost and the meadows are blanketed in glistening snow.

The Hotel has hosted a recreation of the Bracebridge Christmas Dinner almost every year since the hotel opened in 1927. While traveling in England in the early 19th century, famous American author Washington Irving (1783 –1859) was a guest at the country estate of Squire Bracebridge. Irving wrote about his experience in “The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon” published in 1820. The Bracebridge Dinner is a re-enactment of Irving’s account of Christmas at Bracebridge Hall. Christmas dinner at Bracebridge Hall dated back to the 17th century.


Ansel Adams, renowned photographer and naturalist, made Yosemite his home. He orchestrated Irving’s description of the 17th century feast with period music and verse and played the role of the Lord of Misrule for many years. The Adams’ version of the pageant is still used today at the Ahwahnee.

In the story, Squire Bracebridge has invited family and friends to his ancestral home to celebrate Christmas Dinner. The players are dressed in vibrantly colored period costumes. The Ahwahnee Dining Room, already one of the most breathtaking in the world, is transformed into a 17th century English Manor Hall with evergreen wreaths and colorful banners hanging from the massive ceiling beams high above the floor. The entire dining room is the backdrop for the dinner performance. A large alcove at the end of the dining room serves as the dais for the Squire and his guests.

The program is an elegant and artistic three-hour pageant of classic carols, Renaissance rituals, Middle Age music and sumptuous food. Chimes and trumpets herald the Squire’s arrival as everyone rises to pay him honor. The Bracebridge Singers add their voices to the pageantry as each course is presented to the Squire for his approval prior to serving his guests. There are four presentations: The Fish, The Peacock Pie, The Baron of Beef and The Boars Head, and The Pudding and The Wassail. Chimes, trumpets, and the Bracebridge Singers herald the presentation of each course. The props are elaborate recreations of 17th century food presentation. Each presentation is marched through the Grand Hall by costumed servants and presented to the Squire. Once the Squire has approved each course, white glove servers serve the guests.

The Lord of Misrule plays the part of a jester and juggler and entertains the Squire and his guests during the meal. Operatic singers, minstrels, and the housekeeper perform solos throughout the pageant. A band of paupers from the village arrive and Squire Bracebridge invites them to partake in the feast, true to the Christmas tradition. After the elaborate affair the Squire and his company exit the Hall greeting their guests as they leave.

The Bracebridge Dinner has been presented every year except during the Second World War when the Ahwahnee served as a rehabilitation hospital for the U.S. Navy. This unique event has become a National Treasure and a California tradition.

"There's such a magical feeling to being in Yosemite at that time of year," said Andrea Fulton, the producer and director, who has been performing in the event for the past 52 years. "It's quiet, the valley is usually filled with snow, and you walk into the most incredibly beautiful room at the Ahwahnee Hotel."

Cameras are not allowed in the Ahwahnee dining room
during the performance. This is one of the few photos of the cast
available and was copied from the cover of a 1985 menu and program.

The centerpiece of the event is the seven-course feast that is prepared by the Ahwahnee's world-class culinary staff and planned months in advance. Rich and wondrous dishes delight the eye and palate.




A feast for the Body and Soul



Mushrooms a la grecque, Medley of Cured Olives, Marinated Baby Artichokes,
Pickled Baby Carrot Trio, Pickled Quails Eggs, Caviar


Roasted Butternut Squash “Mulligatawny”
Tart Apple, Pumpkin Seed Cracker


Chilled, Herb Grilled Gulf Coast Jumbo White Prawns
Cucumber Seaweed Salad
Fresh Tomato Horseradish Coulis, Parsley Emulsion


Wild Mushroom Ragout
Truffle Julienne, Pheasant Dumplings, Seared Squab Breast


Pistachio Crusted Angus Beef Tenderloin
Sweet Potatoes Dauphinoise
Haricot Vet, Orange Glaze Baby Beets
Béarnaise Demi-glace


Baby Spinach, Frisee, Baby Red Endive
Poached Crimson Pear, Sonora Gold Mineshaft Aged Blue Cheese Custard


Plum Pudding with Hard Sauce,
Hot Mulled Cider, Assorted Holiday Cookies and Chocolates





Although there are only eight seatings of 335 people, as many as 15,000 people request tickets for the highly coveted seats (yes, even at the $275 per person ticket price). Previously awarded by lottery due to the high demand, seats are now available on a first come, first-served basis.

Listen as Robert Anderson,
the Executive Chef,
describes the Ahwahnee kitchen.

The Ahwahnee ~ A World Class Hotel....
any time of the year.

As a National Historical Landmark and one of the most distinctive resort hotels in North America, The Ahwahnee is well known for its great granite façade, striking beamed ceilings, massive stone hearths, richly colored Native American artwork, and finely appointed rooms.

Grand Hotel, Grand Design

Completed in 1927, The Ahwahnee features a unique blend of design influences including Art Deco, Native American, Middle Eastern and Arts & Crafts Movement. These elements can be seen in every aspect of the hotel including stenciling, woodwork, lighting fixtures and china patterns. Every room is finely appointed for comfort and visual delight and reflects the natural surroundings and Native American influence of Yosemite

Some of the most well loved aspects of The Ahwahnee are its grand public spaces featuring giant stone fireplaces, massive hand-stenciled beams, rich tapestries and elegant stained glass.

Yosemite and the Ahwahnee Hotel provide the perfect snowy backdrop for this story of Christmas Day at Bracebridge Hall in Yorkshire, England.

I hope you have enjoyed this presentation
of the Bracebridge Christmas.
This unique event has become a
National Treasure and a California tradition.

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 12-06-04 Military Monday 12-07-04 Aloha~Mele Kalikimaka

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[Mama_Bear]

[Mama_Bear]

Good morning, FRiends!

If you would like to be added to or removed from the Finest ping list, please freepmail me.

[texasflower]

Hi guys. I am trying to find out if anything was ever posted on FR about a young soldier in the Army who was killed in Mosul on Dec 8th, 2003.

My daughter is dating a close friend of his and if there was any thread about the young man, I would like to give my daughter's boyfriend the link. Maybe to forward to the family.

Today is one year from the date of his death.

I tried to search, but I wasn't able to find anything.

I know you guys keep track of this sort of thing, so I am asking for your help.

His name is PFC Jason Wright.

As I said, he was killed on Dec 8th, 2003.

Thanks for the help. I really tried searching myself. I promise!

Have a good day everyone!

Tammy

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Mama.

[GailA]

Good morning

[The Mayor]

December 8, 2004

Bad News?

Read: Psalm 112:1-10

He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. —Psalm 112:7

Bible In One Year: Daniel 8-10; 3 John

---

Several years ago, before cell phones became common, a seminar leader asked the audience, "If someone came into this meeting, called your name, and said, 'You have a phone call,' would you assume that it was good news or bad news?" Most of us admitted we would think it was bad news, but we weren't sure why.

It points out a common burden many people carry—the fear of bad news. It may be a natural concern for the safety of those we love, but it can become an irrational dread of tragedy.

When we are most afraid, we most need confidence in God. Psalm 112 speaks of a person who fears the Lord, delights in His commandments, and is gracious to others (vv.1,4-5). But perhaps most striking is: "He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord" (v.7).

A hymn by Frances Havergal reminds us that a trusting heart is the answer for a worried mind: "Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest; finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest."

The Bible doesn't promise that we will never receive bad news. But it does assure us that we don't have to live each day in gnawing fear of what might happen. "His heart is established; he will not be afraid" (v.8). —David McCasland

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the Spirit there. —Havergal

Faith in the living God can take the fear out of living.

[The Mayor]

[kassie]

What a wonderful beginning to a dreary Wednesday.

[lonestar]

You have out-done yourself. Again.

This is great. You remind me of --- ME!

Weinie

[Molly Pitcher]

Lovely thread, MB! Thanks so much, and a merry Wed. to all at the Finest!

[tuliptree76]

Thank you for today's thread, Lori. It's very pretty and interesting!

[Mama_Bear]

Good morning, texasflower.

Here is what I found in my search for posts on FR about Pfc Jason Wright:

“Strike” Brigade Remembers Two Fallen Comrades"

Soldiers who've completed their last PCS and joined the Final Unit in Heaven.

There might be more, but this is all I found.

[Mama_Bear]

Hey there, Aeronaut. Hope all is well in your world.

[DollyCali]

Tammy I will try to find time to check later for you. I will check in TexKat's daily thread on war..she gives infor on deaths & bios etc when available. Maybe she has a listing of the threads on her page. here is Today's Thread if you have time to check before I do

[DollyCali]

Wow, what an appealing place.. thanks Lori.. and so well presented - thank you. I have always wanted to go to Yosemite.. and now I see it might be a nice winter trip. The pledge pix is so sweet also. Lots of Nostalgia from you today & I appreciate it!

[Mama_Bear]

Good morning, Rus. CA is beginning to look a lot like New York, weather-wise, at least for now. Gloomy and overcast here, but I guess that's the way it is supposed to be this time of year.

Have a good day, cuzzin.

[DollyCali]

opps.. responded to Tammy before I read entire thread.. HOpefully these posts will be the right one

[Mama_Bear]

Good morning, Gail.

Yes, indeed, "Jesus is the reason for the season". :-)

[Mama_Bear]

What a wonderful beginning to a dreary Wednesday.

Well, thank you, kassie. Glad we could brighten up your day a bit. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

This is great. You remind me of --- ME!

LOL! We do have a lot in common. ;-)

Love ya', Weinie!