I have to admit I've gotten into the habit of using white beans in most dishes, except chili, of course.

I use different sizes and types of white beans, but they're still, well, white.

I decided it was time to change. (I'm such a risk-taker.)

Red beans, specifically red kidney beans, have a much more assertive flavor than their pale cousins.

I do believe I'm a convert.

Great way to use up some of the Christmas Ham….

Mon mari pointed out that he's been very busy and someone (who shall remain nameless and blameless) has been derelict in the duty of reporting said business.

Someone can cut off the supply of Christmas cookies if such comments don't cease.

(Yes, I have been a blogging slacker lately…. but I've been doing this for seven years. I decided I could be a slacker for one week every seven years. And I control the cookies….)

The update:

We have lights!

Lights are a little tricky in our rooms upstairs.  There's really not room to put ceiling fixtures that hang and the lights that are recessed need to have space around them so as not to over-heat and burn all the lovely insulation.

Which means he has to build a space around them as the insulation is right on the ceiling framework.

Never fear….

It may look a little silly strange now but it will all come together.

He's been taking advantage of the warmer weather to mix cement and do the patching.  

Fortunately, this end of the upstairs is attached to the barn, so the interior wall is in much better shape.

There's still a lot to be done, but not nearly as much as in the first two rooms.

Almost time to start the ceiling! 

And finish the walls…

But, all that's going to wait for a few days.  We're both going to slack off for a wee bit longer.  We have friends coming to visit for a few days and, unless we can convince them that patching walls is really, really, really fun (a la Huck Finn) I think all work will pause for the duration.

Bon weekend!