Navy Bean Soup

2 c. dry navy beans

8 c. water

1 meaty ham bone

1 c. celery

1 c. onion

1 c. carrot

1 medium potato

1 bay leaf

2 t. salt

¼ t. pepper

Combine beans, ham bone and water in large pot. Bring to a boil. Cover and boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand 1 hour. Add celery, onion, carrot, potato, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Cook 1 hour longer. Remove bay leaf. Cut ham from bone, and return diced ham to pot.