IN A LARGE POT, COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS-->EXCEPT<--THE BEANS BRING TO A BOIL, AND THEN TURN TO SIMER IN A SECOND POT WITH COLD WATER, ADD BEANS. BRING BEANS TO A BOIL AND LET THEM COOL . NOW POUR OFF WATER, ADD COOL WATER,BRING TO BOIL,LOWER HEAT TO MEDIUM ALLOW TO COOK ON MED FOR 2 1/2 HOURS OR UNTIL DONE. DO NOT SEASON BEANS WHILE COOKING! WHEN BEANS ARE DONE, POUR OFF WATER,RINSE BEANS,ADD BEANS TO OTHER POT SIMMER FOR 1/2 HOUR YOU MAY SUBSTITUTE PORK CHOPS FOR HAM, AND ADD 1 TSP OF SALT