The Poacher

Once in a while, I have the fortunate experience of babysitting for my friend's little boy. At six year's old, he has a head full of dirty blond hair, and round blue eyes that radiate with honesty. He's also blessed with a keen, analytical mind, and a kind little soul. There are some kids that you just love being around!

During my babysitting stint, we played an active outdoor game of airplane. Dollar Store, styrofoam airplanes catch the wind just right! Afterward, we settled onto the couch to watch one of our favorite shows..."Animal Planet".

The segment, already in session, flashed a scene of a baby rhinoceros, visibly injured and limping painfully through the woods. Unexpectedly, the footage became graphic, showing how an evil poacher laid a round, wire trap. When the baby rhino stepped into that wicked contraption, the wire tightened around the rhino's ankle, and cut his leg clear to the bone!

We both became saturated with horror. At first, he froze...then he lowered his head and slumped his shoulders. There was despair in the eyes of a six year old boy from the stark sight of animal cruelty. It was as bad as a physical blow!

I quickly outstretched my arms, and the child plunged into them...burying his head as if to erase the image from his mind. All he could say was, "If people don't want animals to hurt them, why would people hurt animals?" Having no answer, all I could do was hug him. Sometimes, there are no answers to life's sad realities.

We have a responsibility to our children to teach them to take care of one another...as well as the earth and the animals. We must be role models so that our little people never grow up to be poachers...laying wicked traps...practicing evil. Let's work together, to teach our children well.

If you're going to be a poacher, make sure you're poaching eggs! Get up, talk to your kids...make breakfast for them. Start with Mama Melisi's Poached Eggs! It's truly an art the way she cooks them!

Again, we offer this to you with love,

From Mama Melisi and Me

Poached Eggs

Spray the bottom of a shallow sauce pan with Pam
Fill 3/4 of the way with cold water
Bring to a gentle boil
Crack an egg open into the boiling water
Let simmer for 3 minutes for a medium poached, juicy egg
If you like it a bit drier, give it a few more seconds
Use a slotted spatula to ease the egg out of the water
Place onto the buttered toast of your liking

Other suggestions: Can put the poached egg over a pancake!

Can also be served with home fries made with thinly sliced boiled potatoes sauteed in canola oil, sprinkled with onion powder, salt and pepper. Saute until golden brown!