Although the fan had not yet arrived, the handyman came yesterday to paint the ceiling, install the light trims and the A/C vent cover, and to get paid. I paid him all but $60, which he'll get when he's installed the fan.
And--wouldn't you know it--the fan arrived today from Farrey's. It had been shipped on June 8th, from Taiwan, I presume. I put a call in to the handyman to let him know the fan is here. It's quite handsome, if you ask me. [See Lucy in the background, lying on the couch.] 
This project is almost done. Ceiling has been sanded and primed. Dimmer switch was installed today.
B. got out some sheets to collect the dust. Still waiting for the ceiling fan to come.
All the drywall is up now, and all new light fixtures installed.
Here's the grate for the A/C duct (sitting on counter) . . .
. . . ready to be installed.
I talked to Farrey's today. The fan has to be ordered from the factory and will take 1-2 weeks.
Almost all the drywall up. (Still some stretches of pipe showing on the bare ceiling.)
They still have to vent the A/C duct above the bar.
I ordered a fan this evening online. It's a Cirrus Hugger, made by The Modern Fan Co. It's being wired to its own on/off switch (separate from the recessed lights, which will be on a dimmer--he got that today). We're buying a remote control to regulate the fan. I ordered the fan from Farrey's, which is right up the road. Tomorrow I'll call to see whether I can pick the fan up on Saturday (i.e., if they have them in stock). 
The drywall was installed today for the new soffit, as were most of the recessed light fixtures. There will be eight new fixtures in all. Lights off. 
Lights on.
They are bright and will be put on a dimmer.