I was born in New Jersey–shortly after the Stone Age. I spent the first 20 years of my life in the East before moving to Washington State. My husband’s work took us to California for a while, but we eventually returned to where our hearts are: Washington State and Whidbey Island.
My career started in interior design, moved into aerospace, and then farming. It is in farming and working with fiber that I found my bliss–thus the name “Paradise Found Fiber Farm.”
I spend my days with animals. In addition to the llamas, alpacas, and goats, we have laying hens (most of which are Black Star), house cats and dogs, and farm dogs.
My husband and I have only occasional help with the farm chores, so the work is never ending and never done. It is the life we chose and we are happy doing it. In addition to the daily chores of feeding, watering and clean-up I administer any medication the animals need. Several of our critters are in the geriatric stage of life and need a little extra care.
I shear all the goats, trim their hooves, give them shots, and worm them. For the alpacas, I administer all general medical treatments but leave the shearing to professionals. Until now, I have sheared all the llamas myself, but we have a large herd, and I am considering turning the shearing over to professionals.
I make all the products in my fiber shack by hand. Most of that work entails spinning and knitting and making items from felt. My weavings are limited.
Someone once asked what I do in my spare time. With a smile, I replied, “Sleep!”
Banner photos (from left to right) were taken by: Penny Bauer, Nancy Richardson, Mary Donaty, and Sonny Richardson. All others were taken by Sonny.
