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.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ 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

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

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

Click on the photo to view the album. To
submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45Man
at
danbh59@yahoo.com
and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

CLICK

[Mama_Bear]

Thanks, Mama_Bear ...you've definitely put me in a Christmas kinda mood ... )

You're welcome and I'm glad. :-)

[Diver Dave]

Hey .... I said Merry Christmas!

And I will say it again.......Merry Christmas!!! :-)

He was born in a stable
His mother a virgin
Raised in a carpenter shop...

...and his name was not Mohammed

Beautiful presentation today, MB.
Are you and JK still planning to take us to dinner up there in Yosemite? :)

[Mama_Bear]

Are you and JK still planning to take us to dinner up there in Yosemite? :)

Sure! I'll be making our reservations just as soon as we hit the lottery. ;-)

He was born in a stable
His mother a virgin
Raised in a carpenter shop...

...and his name was not Mohammed

:-)

[Aquamarine]

Thanks for bringing this comment to my attention MB. And thank you Dolly for your words of appreciation, it means alot. :)

BTW...Daisy's epilepsy hasn't progressed too far yet. She's in the stage where she acts like she has a bee in her bonnet - when she doesn't. The vet said that's a symptom of the disorder. He's going to put her on medication after her blood work comes back, he wants to make sure that she doesn't have something else causing her symptoms.

[Billie]

There are here several great contributers & several great graphic artists (whether professional or not, you are graphic artists)

What a wonderful thing to hear, Dolly! And since Lori pinged many of the others who contribute such neat graphics, I won't add their names again. Thank you - there are so many of you who make our threads each day such fun and worth every minute of our time.

[Billie]

However, after Billie's wonderful thread yeasterday and your lovely offering today, I feel the stirrings of Christmas spirit coming to life.

I'm really glad I did that one yesterday, because it's been bugging me since I jumped up and said I'd 'do Hawaii' - always with the Christmas theme in mind! (Don't let me volunteer to do a *state thread* again!) LOL

[austingirl]

My faith has taken me through my father's minor heart attack this week, my finals for my first semester at nursing school and a minor medical procedure for myself and it's only Wednesday. You just never know what life has in store for you, but with God in your life, it makes the burden a lot lighter.

[dansangel]

(Don't let me volunteer to do a *state thread* again!) LOL

Well, you both do such a superb job, making it look far more easy than it really is.

((((HUGS))))) to you both.

[DollyCali]

I hope all goes well with Daisey Aqua... I used to think it was very strange that people would put so much money / concern into "just a dog".. then God gave me Oliver and I have learned many lessons from him.

Now I understand.. this is not "just a dog" but a member of the family & often your best friend who trusts you completely, is loyal & never cares if you look like a disaster.

Prayers for your dear fuzzy friend!

[DollyCali]

Hi sweetie.. I am sorry about the fact you are a bit down this season. If I might share a bit of my pilgrimage.. Before coming to Ohio to help mom, I had a wonderful set of job experiences & ample money to make holidays never a concern. bought food, travel tickets, gifts, decorations without blinking.

Now there is essentially no income & so all must be tempered (to put it mildly). I have found myself doing more creative things & finding that your true friends/family loved ones understand & truly do appreciate the handmade things.

I do a lot with photography & make composite pix using Publisher and I also have a bit of talent making stringed jewelry.

I don't know if that is the reason you "are not in spirit " yet, but I am guessing it might be.

I hope you will look at this as Gods gift of an opportunity to focus on Christ rather than materialism. We all need that lesson.

Everyone at FR is at different stages in their financial status.

I recall you are a Christian & although the temptation is there to be mad at God, I hope that you will rather, dig into your soul & use this time of non employment & maybe other turmoil that lack of $$$ often gives, to grow, pray, study bible & in general "be still & know that HE is God".

hugs hon!!!!!

[dutchess]

Hi Lori...what a beautiful update of a very special thread. Thanks for presenting it again... ((((lori)))))

Hi sistahs. After seeing your hawaii thread yesterday billie...I'm absolutely petrified to try to take on Ohio. You and Lori are such pros!(((((billie)))))

Aqua...I didn't realize that daisy was diagnosed with epilepsy. ((((aqua))))))Prayers

dansy...prayers that things look up for you too. Maybe after the holidays the job market will open up. I mean....enjoy the last month of your "vacation"! (((((dansy)))))

[Mama_Bear]

Hi, special sistah person!

You and Lori are such pros!

Thank you, but I wasn't when I first started. I've learned by trial and error what works and what doesn't. Besides, don't sell yourself short. ((((((You)))))) did a great job on Michigan, as I recall. :-)

[The Mayor]

You just never know what life has in store for you, but with God in your life, it makes the burden a lot lighter.

You are absolutley right !

[The Mayor]

Great compliment from a great gal!

It's true, very true we have the Finest here in the finest!

[Mama_Bear]

Well, you both do such a superb job, making it look far more easy than it really is.

Thanks, Dansy. I really do enjoy presenting the states, when I have the time....even though I do stress over them a bit. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

You are such sweet person, DollyCali.

Did I read on the Inaugural Ball thread that you are coming to the Ball? I hope so. I look forward to meeting you in person.

[Aquamarine]

Should have mentioned Daisy's illness on the thread. Have just told a few people thru FReepmail.
Know what you mean about vet bills Dolly, we spend more on her than we do ourselves...we have insurance on ourselves.

She's not really doing all that bad, just showing the first signs of epilepsy. The vet said it's common in beagle's and usually shows up between the age of 3 and 4 (Daisy's age). The last beagle we had (Beauregard) was pure bred and he starting having seizures at the age of 3. At least Daisy' not having seizure's, just snapping at imaginary bugs and pawing at her face. She's so sweet but she'll be alright the vet can give her medicine for it.

[Aquamarine]

I never got an answer from the Biltmore but know that they are very business like with their name. It's kind of like getting permission from the Olympics to use their logo, it's a big deal.

Just now got around to trying to play the Mannheim Steamroller music. For some reason I have to save it to a folder to hear it on this new computer and then it comes up on this Dell program named MusicMatch. Sounds great though.

[dansangel]

Hi ((((Dolly))))

Being mad at God never crossed my mind. I am thankful to Him for what I have and I tell Him so every day.

My feelings this time of year, every year, are very complex, no matter what my finances. It's just a blue time of year that the secular world only makes worse. My bright spot is my celebration of Christ's birth and the attendant Church ceremonies. I really look forward to that.

Thank you for your concern and words of advice. I hope you have a very blessed and joyous Christmas.

[dansangel]

(((((dutchess)))))))

Hoping things are going well for you. You, Dad and Mr. D are still in my prayers.