When friends or family come to visit us from out of state, we always try to show them the best of what Bakersfield has to offer. Sure, you can head out to the beach, explore Paso Robles, or visit the Trail of 100 Giants. But, when our friends from Texas visited last month, we decided to try something a little different: a trip to a local alpaca farm called The Snuggle Barn. This experience gave us some time with these fluffy, long-necked animals up close and discover their surprisingly quirky personalities. When we arrived, each of us received a small tin of feed so we could hand-feed the alpacas, and the farmer even handed over two leads so we could guide a pair of the herd’s alphas.

The alpaca I was leading around had the most striking eyes I’ve ever seen. She ruled the group and made sure everyone knew it. She clearly had beef with another alpaca, a brown one with a white face, and every time it got too close, she’d spit at it. I’d heard about alpacas spitting before, but seeing it happen in person was something else entirely. The kids in our group had an absolute blast, running alongside their furry companions, feeding the baby alpacas—called cria—and even getting the occasional gentle nibble from a goat that had wandered into the mix. The Snuggle Barn turned out to be the perfect afternoon escape. It’s an experience we’ll be sharing with future house guests this summer.

Speaking of animals. In the article, "Liberty's Second Chance: Training Mustangs for Life After the West," on page 18, I interviewed 14-year-old Kendra Bushnell, who is gentling a once-wild mustang named Liberty through the Bureau of Land Management’s Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program. Through patience and dedication, Kendra has formed a strong bond with Liberty, highlighting how the program not only helps protect public lands and wildlife but also gives wild horses a chance at a new life while teaching responsibility and connection to the next generation.

This month marks a meaningful milestone for KCFM as we publish Julie Willis’s final Humor at Home column. Over the years, readers have laughed, cried, and found comfort in her refreshingly honest take on motherhood. In her farewell piece, “Back to the Baby Factory: I Did Not Sign Up for Teenager Problems,” on page 20, Julie reflects on the differences between parenting toddlers and raising teenagers. The tried-and-true tools of bandages, snacks, and careful planning no longer apply when navigating the complex emotional world of teens. Julie, we wish you all the best in this next chapter. Your wit and comedic voice will be missed.

As we celebrate the annual Basque Festival, held over Memorial Day weekend, sponsored by the Kern County Basque Club, we extend a special thank you to this month’s happy mama, the owner of Wool Growers, a staple in the community since 1954. In Callie Collins’ article, “Hello, Happy (Basque) Mama: Christiane Camou,” on page 14, she highlights Christiane’s deep matriarchal roots and her enduring commitment to preserving Basque culture and community. Alongside her husband and three daughters, Christiane honors her heritage while balancing the many roles she holds as a business owner, volunteer, wife, and mother.

As May ends, the school year wraps up and long summer days wait for us to explore and try something new. Whether it’s befriending an alpaca or a wild mustang, experiencing Basque culture through its food and traditions, or simply sharing laughs with friends, these moments turn summer into something special. Here’s to making unforgettable memories and enjoying every bit of the season.

Happy May!