Chop 1 lg onion and mince 2 garlic cloves. Sauté in olive oil. Add diced carrots and celery, cook on low until veggies are soft. Add ham and slightly "brown". Add herbs, s/p to taste. Add cut up potatoes. Add chicken broth/stock slowly. Add split peas, cook over low heat several hours. Remove bay leaves and serve with crusty bread!