Simmer the peas with the ham bone 2.5 hrs. Add the other ingredients and simmer half hr more. Remove the bone and cut off the meat. Return the meat to the pot. Scoop out a half cup of the pea mixture, puree and return to the pot OR make a slurry or water and 2 Tablespoons flour and add; cook until soup thickens. Adjust the seasonings and serve. Variations: Use a chicken or turkey carcass and chopped bacon. Add chopped cooked sausage at the end of the cooking process. Add a small amount of turnip. Add oregano, marjoram or sage. Add a tablespoon of tomato paste.