Split Pea Soup

After making split pea soup several times now, and modifying it each time with what I had on hand, I have finally come to the point where I LOVE it...

2 thick slices of applewood bacon (chopped roughly)
1 large onion (chopped large)
8 cups water
1 lb. dried split peas
1 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. crushed dried rosemary
3 garlic cloves
1 tsp. salt
3 large carrots
1 pkg. carving board ham (diced)
salt and pepper to taste

Brown bacon in dutch oven. Add onion and allow to saute for a few minutes. Add water, peas, thyme, rosemary, cloves, and salt. Cover and bring to a simmer for 60 min. Add carrots and simmer for additional 35 minutes. Remove from heat, and puree using an immersion blender. Add ham and return to heat for about 10 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. Make 8-10 servings (or more).