Bean Soup

Put all ingredients in a soup pot.Bring to a boil.Reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 3-4 hours.It will get very thick,so add water when you think it needs it. Somewhere down the line remove the ham hocks from the soup,and cool them.Cut the meat off the bones,discard the fat and return the meat and bones to the pot.When you are ready to serve,remove the bones and bay leaves and bring out some crusty bread and butter.