Famous Senate Bean Soup

1 lb Dry Navy Beans

1 Meaty Ham Bone

1 c. chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 c. chopped celery

2/3 c. potato flakes (I don't use this, it makes soup too thick)

1/4 c. parsley

1 1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper

1 t. nutmeg

1 t. oregano

1 t. basil

1 bay leaf

In large pot, cover beans with 6-8 cups of water.  Bring to boil and cook 2 minutes.  Remove from heat and cover; let stand at least one hour (longer is better so beans begin to soften).  Drain, add 2 quarts of water and the ham bone.  Bring to boil again and simmer about 1 1/2 hours, until beans are tender.  Add remaining ingredients and simmer another 20-30 minutes.  Remove ham bone and trim off meat.  Add meat back into soup and serve.  Leftovers can be frozen.