Split Pea Soup

2 - pound split peas
2 - quarts boiling water
1/4 to 1/2 pound chunked or cubed ham
1 - large carrot diced
5 - green onions chopped including the tops
2 - tea spoons salt
1/4 - tea spoon black pepper
1 - large rib of celery diced including the leaves
1 - bay leaf

1 - sort through the peas removing any bad ones or pebbles, then add the peas, ham and bay leaf to the boiling water, reduce to a gentle simmer, cover and let simmer for 1 1/2 hours.

2 - add carrot, celery, onions, salt and pepper. cover and simmer 30 more minutes.

3 - remove the lid, turn heat to lowest setting, simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours more, stirring occasionally until it reaches desired thickness.

4 - taste and add more salt and or pepper if desired.