Split Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb. dry green split peas
• 8 c. water
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. dried thyme, crushed
• 2 Tbsp. parsley
• ham, optional