Darn Economy

My husband and I are small business owners in Northern California so needless to say we are struggling. Really struggling.. but over the last few years some good has come out of it.  We are totally back to basics enjoying the simpler, gentler things in life.  For example instead of eating out all the time we are learning to cook together. It comes natural to him, but not for me. I really enjoy it but I need a recipe and he really doesn't.  Tonight we are making Emeril's Split Pea Soup and homemade potato chips.  It smells great now but in the beginning the ham hocks smelled really funky... is that normal?