A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-12-03....A Bracebridge Christmas

Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

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

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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, dansangel, dutchess, 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 great FRiday!

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 12-08-03 Military Monday 12-09-03 Oh Christmas Tree 12-10-03 Donaeus - The Exclusive Inquisition 12-11-03 John's Two Cents "The Metrosexual Nine and Gore's Endorsement"

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

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[Mama_Bear]

[Mama_Bear]

I will be back in the morning, it's bedtime here on the left coast.

FReepMail me if you would like to be added to, or removed from, the Finest ping list.

[Mama_Bear]

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Mama.

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody ! Happy Friday !

[JohnHuang2]

Beautiful work, ((((((((((((((Mama_Bear)))))))))))))))))

G'morning, Aeronaut

[Aeronaut]

Hi John. Have a great day!

[JohnHuang2]

You too, bro.

[JohnHuang2]

G'morning, amigo

[dixie sass]

Morning Mama Bear.

[dixie sass]

Morning Flyboy! Looks like you are having fun doing "fly-bys"!

[dixie sass]

Morning MeeknMing!

[Aeronaut]

G'morning to you Dixie.

[dixie sass]

Morning John!

[dixie sass]

What a lovely presentation! Thank you. Aquamarine, Throughly enjoyed the music! Thank you also!!!

[The Mayor]

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. —Philippians 4:5

Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength. —Francis de Sales

[The Mayor]

December 12, 2003

How Gentle Are You?

Read: Titus 3:1-8

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. —Philippians 4:5

Bible In One Year: Titus 1-3

---

During my years as a pastor, I encountered many Christians who were anything but gentle. They had no patience for fellow believers with character flaws or who were involved in sinful practices. They also showed little kindness toward nonbelievers. They thought that gospel messages should always include dire warnings of the torments of hell.

Recently I heard about a company that had decided to open their stores on Sunday. Because they were located in an area with many churches, the corporation received scores of condemning letters from angry Christians. Some even said they were glad there was an eternal hell for those who had made this decision. Christian and non-Christian employees were offended and embarrassed. Lack of gentleness had harmed Christ's cause.

The religious leaders of Jesus' day were quick to judge and lacked gentleness. They criticized Jesus because He ate and drank with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 11:19). They were shocked because He showed concern for these people instead of harshly condemning them. He didn't approve of what they did, but He saw them as sinners created in God's image whom He had come to save.

Let's follow Christ's example. —Herb Vander Lugt

O to be like Him, tender and kind,
Gentle in spirit, lowly in mind;
More like to Jesus, day after day,
Filled with His Spirit, now and alway. —Ellsworth

Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength. —Francis de Sales

[GailA]

Good Morning. It's a chilly 31 degrees in Memphis this morning.

Coffee's on

[GailA]

[dixie sass]

Ummmmmm, the coffee smells particulary wonderful, Yer Honor! Must be because it's so cold out there!

Have a joyful day and I love the verse and the quote, thank you.