RIB STICKING PEA SOUP

1 LB. SPLIT PEAS                    
8 CUPS WATER                        
1 LG. ONION, CHOPPED                
2 STALKS CELERY, CHOPPED               
2 CARROTS, SLICED                   
2 BAY LEAVES                        
1 TSP. THYME
1-1/2 TSPS. MINCED GARLIC
MEATY HAM BONE OR 1-1/2 CUPS DICED HAM
SALT & PEPPER TO TASTE
1 LG. POTATOE, DICED

SIMMER ALL INGREDIENTS UNTIL PEAS ARE SOFT.  STIR OCCASIONALLY TO
PREVENT STICKING.  IF USING HAM BONE, REMOVE AND DICE THE MEAT.
FREEZES WELL.