Let there be light. (Sorry, I couldn't resist the cliche).
To Patrick's great surprise, he flipped the switch, and the lights went on. Kind of an amazing feeling after living off of the shop light for the past couple of years down there. Really makes a difference in the room now that it is well light.
The rest of the basement (baseboards, furniture, pictures, etc.) will have to be on hold for awhile until we get back from Ireland.