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A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-08-04....A Bracebridge Christmas Revisited
Mama_Bear
Posted on 12/08/2004 12:05:25 AM PST by 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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We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_Bear, dutchess, dansangel, Aquamarine ~
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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 Irvings 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 Irvings 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 Squires 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!
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Thanks, Mixer!
1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar. 2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up. 3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit. 4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it. 5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer
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TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Political Humor/Cartoons
KEYWORDS: bracebridge; christmas; finest; friends; holiday; surprises; yosemite
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
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1
posted on
12/08/2004 12:05:25 AM PST
by
Mama_Bear
To: ST.LOUIE1; Billie; dansangel; dutchess; FreeTheHostages; .45MAN; Aeronaut; Aquamarine; azGOPgal; ...
Good morning, FRiends!
If you would like to be added to or removed from the Finest ping list, please freepmail me.
2
posted on
12/08/2004 12:06:45 AM PST
by
Mama_Bear
(Lori)
To: All
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
3
posted on
12/08/2004 12:45:38 AM PST
by
texasflower
(Liberty can change habits. ~ President George W. Bush 10/08/04)
To: Mama_Bear
Good morning Mama.
4
posted on
12/08/2004 1:55:28 AM PST
by
Aeronaut
(May all the feckless become fecked.)
To: Mama_Bear; All
5
posted on
12/08/2004 3:14:26 AM PST
by
GailA
(JESUS is the reason for the season)
To: ST.LOUIE1; Aquamarine; dutchess; Mama_Bear; dansangel; Billie; Aeronaut; deadhead; Diver Dave; ...
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 carrythe 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.
6
posted on
12/08/2004 4:10:53 AM PST
by
The Mayor
(If Jesus lives within us, sin need not overwhelm us.)
7
posted on
12/08/2004 4:29:06 AM PST
by
The Mayor
(If Jesus lives within us, sin need not overwhelm us.)
To: Mama_Bear
What a wonderful beginning to a dreary Wednesday.
8
posted on
12/08/2004 4:31:19 AM PST
by
kassie
("It's the soldier who allows freedom of speech, not the reporter..")
To: Mama_Bear
You have out-done yourself. Again.
This is great. You remind me of --- ME!
Weinie
9
posted on
12/08/2004 4:40:55 AM PST
by
lonestar
(Me, too!--Weinie)
To: Mama_Bear; All; The Mayor; Billie; dansangel; Aquamarine; WVNan; mountaineer; ohioWfan; ...
Lovely thread, MB! Thanks so much, and a merry Wed. to all at the Finest!
10
posted on
12/08/2004 5:48:22 AM PST
by
Molly Pitcher
(We are Americans...the sons and daughters of liberty...*.from FReeper the Real fifi*)
To: Mama_Bear
Thank you for today's thread, Lori. It's very pretty and interesting!
To: texasflower
12
posted on
12/08/2004 7:39:25 AM PST
by
Mama_Bear
(Lori)
To: Aeronaut
Hey there, Aeronaut. Hope all is well in your world.
13
posted on
12/08/2004 7:40:39 AM PST
by
Mama_Bear
(Lori)
To: texasflower; TexKat
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
14
posted on
12/08/2004 7:50:00 AM PST
by
DollyCali
(We can never repay our veterans...NEVER. Thank you all who served our great country.)
To: Mama_Bear
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!
15
posted on
12/08/2004 7:52:16 AM PST
by
DollyCali
(We can never repay our veterans...NEVER. Thank you all who served our great country.)
To: The Mayor
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.
16
posted on
12/08/2004 7:52:29 AM PST
by
Mama_Bear
(Lori)
To: Mama_Bear; texasflower
opps.. responded to Tammy before I read entire thread.. HOpefully these posts will be the right one
17
posted on
12/08/2004 7:54:59 AM PST
by
DollyCali
(We can never repay our veterans...NEVER. Thank you all who served our great country.)
To: GailA
Good morning, Gail.
Yes, indeed, "Jesus is the reason for the season". :-)
18
posted on
12/08/2004 8:00:49 AM PST
by
Mama_Bear
(Lori)
To: kassie
What a wonderful beginning to a dreary Wednesday. Well, thank you, kassie. Glad we could brighten up your day a bit. :-)
19
posted on
12/08/2004 8:04:08 AM PST
by
Mama_Bear
(Lori)
To: lonestar
This is great. You remind me of --- ME! LOL! We do have a lot in common. ;-)
Love ya', Weinie!
20
posted on
12/08/2004 8:15:26 AM PST
by
Mama_Bear
(Lori)
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