Clam Chowder

1 cup onion, finely chopped
1 cup celery, finely chopped
2 cup potatoes very finely chopped
2 cans minced clams and juice
3/4 cup butter, not margarine
3/4 cup flour
1 quart half and half
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

drain juice from clams and pour over veggies, in small sauce pan. Add enough water to barely cover and simmer, covered over med heat until tender. Meanwhile, melt butter, add flour and blend, cooking and stirring constantly. add half and half, cook and stir with wire whip until smooth and thick. add undrained vegetables and clams, and heat through. season to taste.(1 pint half and half and 1 pint milk makes it plenty rich).