Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder

slices bacon, diced

unsalted butter

medium yellow onion, diced

all-purpose flour

garlic, minced

water

ears yellow sweet corn ((husks and silks removed))

yukon gold or baby red potatoes (, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces)

dried thyme

smoked paprika

salt and black pepper,

half and half or heavy cream

chopped fresh chives