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

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, 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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[dixie sass]

How precious Gail! Almost ready for that second cuppa!

[ST.LOUIE1]

Very pretty, fuzzbo. : )

Although.....the menu leaves a lot to be desired. Do people really eat that stuff?

Morning! (((((Lori)))))))

[The Mayor]

I don't know how we do it but just about everyday we are back to back posting coffee.

[Dubya]

Five Finger Prayer


1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your
prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are
the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones
is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty".

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for
those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes
teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support
and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction.
Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds
us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in
business and industry, and administrators. These
people shape our nation and guide public opinion.
They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising
to many is fact that this is our weakest finger; as
any piano teacher will testify It should remind us to
pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain.
They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray
too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest
finger of all. Which is where we should place
ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible
says, "the least shall be the greatest among you."
Your pinky should remind you to pray for yourself.


By the time you have prayed for the other four groups,
your own needs will be put into proper perspective and
you will be able to pray for yourself more
effectively.

[Dubya]

Great prayer for our troops.

[The Mayor]

I found this posted last night.
God Bless these guys!

[Aquamarine]

This is such a beautiful post about Christmas at Bracebridge! Enjoyed reading about how Christmas is celebrated in California...you've given me an idea for a Christmas post next year, about how Christmas is celebrated at a famous Historical spot in my area.

You gave me too much credit for the Mannheim Steamroller music, I only gave you a link to a music wav site that Spookbrat supplied to me last year. It's a great site, isn't it?
Am enjoying the music btw. :)

[Calpernia]

hmmmm, That menu made me hungry!

Morning to the Finest!

FWIW, in reference to Renaissance rituals, that is where my freeper nic is from. I do some RP with some Renaissance groups. There are some great story tellers we use to roll play interactive history for children's groups. The kids are mesmorized with those learning activities.

[Calpernia]

Thanks for the coffee!

[Calpernia]

Is that a quote you posted? Or were you a pastor?

[Calpernia]

Click for Yosemite Web Cam

[Pippin]

GOOD MORNING EVERYBODY!!!!

I have two lists for Y'all to peruse, LOL!

How do y'all like my usage of the English language?

I thought I'd do something a little different

Instead of what I'd give to groups I thought I'd select ten individuals

10 liberals and 10 conservatives and what I'd give each for Christmas.

First, the liberals:

1. James Carville...Autographed copy of Anne Coulter's book "Treason"

2. Hillary Clinton...Lessons in humility

3. Al Gore...Zell Miller's Book "A National Party No More"

4.Alan Colmes...A year's supply of tanning lotion

5.Howard Dean...A Book on Anger management

6. John Kerry...A Facelift

7. Jimmy Carter...one way ticket to North Korea

8. Nancy Pelosi...See Al Gore

9. Barbara Striesand...A car licence that says "Bush/Cheney in '04"

10. Bill Clinton...Neutered

Now the Conservatives

1.George Herbert Walker Bush...A year of peace and happiness

2.Anne Coulter...Another best selling book for her.

3. Zell Miller...I wish every Democrat would stop referring to Zell as a traitor.

4. Donald Rumsfeld...OBL's head on a silver platter

5. George W. Bush...Four more years as our President

6. Sean Hannity...The whole country (including Alan Colmes) to be "Hannitized"

7. Condolezza Rice...Elected President in 2008.

8. Rush Limbaugh...An exclusive interview with Hillary Clinton

9. Ronald Reagan...Peace and Joy

10. Laura Bush...smiles

[Calpernia]

Click to listen to To Yosemite Falls (1940)

Click to listen to The Bridge By Yosemite Falls (1945)

[dutchess]

LOVE your Christmas list!!!! ((((((PIPPIN)))))))

[Calpernia]

{{{Pips}}}

Am I on you Liberal or Conservative list? ^-^

[dutchess]

What a neat thread Lori. Sounds like this would be a truly memorable experience and how beautiful the setting must be. And...as always...your presentation is the best!

[The Mayor]

It is a quote, I am not a Pastor. I Love my Lord and my Church family.

That is the whole Daily Bread.

[dutchess]

Hi lovely sistahs and ((((((((wolfie))))))))) so glad to see you here. Hope you're on the road to recovery dear brotha!

Must get back to work. Back later. Have a great day everyone!

[Calpernia]

One of Yosemite's most striking natural events usually occurs each February. During the last half of the month Horsetail Fall, a small, ephemeral waterfall at the eastern edge of El Capitan, can be backlit by the setting sun, making the waterfall glow a brilliant orange color (see the accompanying photo). Some people have called this a natural "firefall."

As the spring equinox approaches (March 20th), the afternoon light from Tunnel View gets better and better. Around the equinoxes the late afternoon sunlight illuminates both El Capitan on the left and Cathedral Rocks on the right, while at other times of year only one side of the valley is lit. During the spring equinox there is also usually a good flow of water in Bridalveil Fall, and a high likelihood of witnessing a spectacular clearing storm from this spot.

[Dubya]

Christmas is merrier with Christ

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF OUR AMERICAN TROOPS
FREEPERS.