Ham and Potato soup

All too often I watch people eat what I make just to see their reaction...this one was great to watch because everyone scarfed it down.

8c dices potatoes

1c celery

2/3c finely chopped sweet onion

6 1/2 c water

6 t chicken paste

1 t salt

3 t pepper

1/2 c and 2 T butter

1/2 c milk and 2 T flour

In a large pot cook onion in butter until tender.  Add celery and potatoes and cook for about 5 minutes.  Add water and bring to a boil.  Stir in chicken paste, salt and pepper.  In a separate saucepan melt additional butter over low heat and whisk in flour with a fork and cook until thick, about 1 minute.  Stir in milk (make sure there are no lumps).  Cook on low for about 5 minutes.  Stir milk mixture into pot and cook until soup is heated through.