Split Pea Soup

• 1 pound split peas
• 1 ham bones, with some meat left on it OR
• 2 smoked ham hocks,(about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 2 cubes chicken bouillon cubes or 2 tsp chicken soup base
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 8 cups water (8 -10 cups)
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:
In a large crockpot, combine all of the ingredients. Cook on low 8- 10 hours. Remove and discard bay leaf. Remove the ham hocks; when cool enought to handle, cut meat into bite-sized pieces. Return meat to the soup and heat through.