Recipe for Heavenly Clam Chowder

1 cup celery finely diced
1 cup carrot finely diced
1 cup onion finely diced
2 cups diced potato
1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon
Put all ingredients into large stock pot. Add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer until tender.
In a separate saucepan heat 7 cups 2% milk slowly. While milk is warming, in a separate bowl combine 1 cup melted butter, 1 cup flour and 1 cup milk. Add to saucepan of hot milk. Stir constantly with wire whisk until mixture becomes smooth and thick. Add thickened sauce to cooked vegetables & bacon. Add 3 cans baby clams and salt & pepper to taste. Allow flavors to blend approx. 30 minutes before serving.