Creamy Corn and Potato Chowder

Name: Creamy Corn and Potato Chowder
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine; 1 yellow onion (finely chopped); 4 - 6 stalks celery (thinly sliced 1 total cup (halve the stalks lengthwise first if they are very wide)); 1/2 red or orange bell pepper (finely chopped); 1/2 tsp. dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 3 Tbsp. flour (use wheat/gluten-free, if needed); 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (or use any variety); 1 small russet potato (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces); 2 cups corn kernels (frozen or fresh); 1/2 cup milk (use any kind you have); 1/4 tsp. salt; 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. black pepper