Split Pea Soup - Aunt Robyn

8 cups water
2 1/3 cups split peas
2 pounds smoked ham
1 medium to large onion, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 medium carrots, sliced
4 medium celery stalks, sliced


Heat water and peas to boiling point in large pot.  Boil for 2 minutes.  Remove from heat and cover.  Let set for 1 hour.  Stir in ham, onions, salt and pepper. Heat to boiling.  Reduce heat and cover for 1 hour.  Skim fat off.  Stir carrots and celery into soup.  Heat to boiling.  Reduce heat  Simmer 45 minutes.