Creole Tomato Soup

Ingredients

• 1/4 c. sliced green onions with tops
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp. butter
• 2 (12 oz.) cans (3 c.) V-8 juice
• 1 c. water
• 1/4 c. rice (raw)
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. dried thyme, crushed
• 1 to 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 to 1/2 lb. shrimp *