New England Clam Chowder

Name: New England Clam Chowder
Ingredients: 1/2 lb good bacon, chopped (or use real bacon bits (1 cup)); 1 large yellow onion, peeled and chopped; 3-4 stalks celery, chopped; 3-4 carrots, chopped; 4-5 raw russet potatoes, chopped in bitesize pieces (I leave on the skin ); 1 51 oz can clams (use the juice first, add the clams last); 1 qt vegetable or seafood stock; 2 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning; 1 -2 bay leaf; 1/2 gallon half and half (can substitute whole or low fat milk ); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour