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 2.5 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 half HOUR YOU MAY SUBSTITUTE PORK CHOPS FOR HAM, AND ADD 1 TSP OF SALT