Fall/Winter 2013
MarCar Border Collies and Martha have moved!!
As in the old adage - “all good things must come to an end”, so has Martha’s time in Metchosin, when her association with the Parry Bay flock came to a close. In the summer of 2013, after more than 25 years in Metchosin, Martha relocated to a small acreage in the Cowichan Valley, 10 minutes south of Duncan, and about an hours’ drive north of Victoria.
Once the actual work of moving - including months of sorting, recycling, packing and downsizing - was completed, and the last box unpacked, then came the most pleasurable part - exploring the rich agricultural landscape and history that defines the Cowichan Valley. Longstanding dairy operations have extensive tracts of verdant, green fields under cultivation, that dot the Valley like a huge interconnected patch-worked quilt of green; capable of producing multiple cuts of green sileage and cured hay crops, from late spring until well into the fall each year.
An awareness and appreciation of locally produced foods is immediately evident here, in the number and variety of local Farmers Markets and venues, with an abundance of locally grown produce on offer, most the year round. Combined with the growth of award winning wineries, it is no surprise that chefs have no lack of inspiration, in creating fabulous local food/wine pairings, across a range of dining experiences; from larger restaurants, to tiny outside summer bistros, some located right on the farm or vineyard itself!
The Cowichan Valley is home to many artisans, and has a number of fiber artists, who work with many of the small flock owners to utilize local fleeces; carding, spinning, and dyeing the wool, before creating inspired weavings and articles, and featured in craft fairs and studios throughout the Valley. and beyond.
After decades of handling sheep, Martha never seemed to have time to learn to knit, despite her penchant for woolen items - from wool sweaters, to socks and scarves! With a fiber arts studio just 10 minutes from her door, offering knitting, spinning, and weaving classes - it seemed an opportune time to learn a new skill, and so Martha is quickly becoming an ardent knitter, and spends several hours each week at LEOLA’S studio, located at the WhippleTree junction!
Both health and personal factors necessitated a downsizing of the MarCar Kennel over the past several years, and along with it, fewer opportunities to travel and compete in trials. However, Martha retains two bitches, that both go back directly to her older breeding: Read more about “MarCar Sylvie” and “MarCar Mairi”, by clicking the links to their individual pages.
Spring 2014
Alas, additional health challenges will lie ahead in the months to come this season, as Martha awaits a right knee joint replacement. An old torn meniscus from her university athletic days, that resulted in its surgical removal nearly 30 years ago, has been the focus of longterm degenerative changes, including fixed contractures of her right knee. The date for a replacement got speeded up unexpectedly, when she got clobbered across the knees by a big Cheviot wether in a big rush for his supper, in late December. Martha sustained a fractured femur, and subsequent consultation with an orthopedic surgeon, resulted in her being wait-listed for a knee joint replacement. Given the long waits in the current healthcare system, she has yet to receive a surgical date for the procedure.The first several months of 2014 were particularly uncomfortable, and she required a knee brace and cane to hobble about, but by the 12th week post-injury, the pain became more manageable, and she remains independently mobile - albeit a bit slower. With the help of friends in Olympia, she was able to run both ”Sylvie” and “Mairi”, at the Easter sheep trials held at Fido’s Farm, Washington.
