Potato and Sausage Chowder

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6 sausages (any flavor)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 celery stalks (sliced)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup wild rice
• 3 medium potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
• 1 1/2 cups half and half or light cream
• Salt to taste