Mud Season

This is not the prettiest part of spring. The old-timers call it mud season for a reason. It looks nice out the window, but the earth is still rigid and frozen underneath. I don’t mind it, though. We are all changing, and our transitions can be unpleasant, but still good and true. I feel nature coiling up, ready to burst into a bright, vernal celebration. Here in Litchfield, we’ve got the best in the house.

Tue 31 — 🌦️ Showers Early / Cloudy Later — 72° / 58°
Wed 01 — ☁️ Cloudy — 67° / 38°
Thu 02 — ☁️ Cloudy — 41° / 36°
Fri 03 — 🌤️ AM Clouds / PM Sun — 62° / 53°
Sat 04 — 🌤️ Partly Cloudy — 71° / 45°
Sun 05 — 🌧️ Rain — 61° / 38°
Mon 06 — ☀️ Mostly Sunny — 49° / 33°

This time of year, deep under decomposing fall leaves, swimming in vernal pools, the fairy shrimp, even more secretive than the salamander, swim unbothered and upside down, past the amphibians.

You'll probably never see one. They prefer that.

They'll never be as photogenic as the slinky, slimy salamander, and they don't quack and chirp like the wood frog. All they do is quietly sustain the others, that is to say, be consumed by them, and that is quite noble. The frogs and salamanders eat the fairy shrimp eggs, energizing them for their photo opportunities on Instagram feeds.

Not only that, but unlike the frogs and salamanders, our little shrimp never leave the pools. The adults die off, and the eggs sink deep into the mud, into a state of diapause, a kind of hibernation, which will rehydrate and hatch next spring.

I like to imagine the fairy shrimp know this full well, and this is why they invert themselves, swimming upside down into this kamikaze mission of the vernal pool, resigning themselves to their fate with the jocularity of a drunken pirate about to walk the plank.

DINNER CLUB TWO IS AT YOUR SERVICE

CLICK HERE TO PULL UP A CHAIR

90% of the folks who attended the last dinner club have signed up again becasue it was such a blast. Here are few quotes from those who attended”

"It was a very successful night So fun to meet people from the area I will definitely join you again" - Crissy D.

"Fantastic! The five ladies that I was paired with were lovely. We are making plans to get together again. Thank you!" - Jennifer m.

"It was a wonderful experience. I didn't stay long at the after party, but the place was gorgeous. Really nice people and what a wonderful idea!" Susie H.

It would be such a joy to have you.

Check out this gorgeous new listing from Lindsay Gaudioso. It is situated right near the sparkling Candlewood Lake, which is the largest man-made lake in all of Connecticut. A contemporary farmhouse never goes out of style, and if you can picture yourself this year soaking up the golden sun, stretched out on your porch near a shimmering lake, you'll definitely want to check this one out.

Want your listing displayed here?

The correct answer to last week's question of what is the name of our state fish? Answer -The Shad

Congrats to:

Drew L.

Megan M.

Steven D.

OK, that brings us to this week's question (no googling, please!)

What famous American author referred to mud season as 'the unlocking'?

Each week, we’ll ask a question, and the winners will be announced the following week.

Just reply to this email with your answer :)

The Ledger will always be FREE. But thank you to everyone who has donated recently. Your support means the world! We've been brainstorming ways to make supporting the Litchfield Ledger easier than ever, and we figured the best place to start was simply to ask. So, we put together a quick poll to hear what works best for you when it comes to supporting local media.

Bantam Cinema & Arts Center, Bantam – Experience a powerful and thought-provoking screening of Uprooting Addiction, a documentary exploring the deep-rooted causes of addiction through real stories and expert insight. This impactful evening sheds light on trauma, recovery, and solutions to a growing public health crisis, followed by community reflection. 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM WATCH

The Moviehouse, Millerton – Test your film knowledge at this FREE Movie Trivia Night where you can play solo or team up with friends for a fun, competitive evening. Arrive early to grab a spot and get ready for a lively night of movie-themed questions and bragging rights. 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM PLAY

Hopkins Vineyard, Warren – Think you know your wine? Take on April’s Blind Taste Challenge and sample four wines in disguise as you match them to their tasting notes. Choose from red or white flights, and if you get them right, you’ll be entered to win a box of featured wines—perfect for a fun and competitive tasting experience. Winery hours: Wed – Fri 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Sat – Sun 11:00 AM–5:00 PM BLIND TASTE

Litchfield Community Center, Litchfield – Experience a calming Full Moon Sound Bath with Gong, a deeply relaxing session using sound healing vibrations to promote balance and well-being. Guided by Nick Switz, this immersive experience invites you to unwind, reset, and reconnect in a peaceful setting. 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM RELAX

Arethusa Farm, Litchfield – Create a stunning Easter centerpiece in this hands-on floral arrangement class with step-by-step guidance. Design a beautiful seasonal display to take home and enjoy on your holiday table, perfect for adding a festive spring touch. 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM ARRANGE

Chabad Lubavitch of Northwest Connecticut, Litchfield – Celebrate the 31st Annual Community Passover Seder with a meaningful evening of tradition, connection, and a gourmet kosher feast. Enjoy international kosher wines and a warm, welcoming atmosphere as you take part in this cherished holiday gathering. 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM CELEBRATE

Barre Equestrian, Woodbury – Experience a one-of-a-kind Easter Egg Hunt on horseback where kids ride gentle horses while searching for hidden eggs. With guided support, a fun craft activity, and a safe, beginner-friendly setup, this outdoor adventure is perfect for making unforgettable spring memories. 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM HUNT & RIDE

Wisdom House Retreat & Conference Center, Litchfield – Step into an inspiring evening celebrating contemporary artist Russell Miyaki, featuring a vibrant, joy-filled collection and an intimate gallery experience. Enjoy light refreshments while exploring bold, expressive works that center on positivity, healing, and creative expression. 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM EXPLORE

March Farm, Bethlehem – Celebrate Good Friday with a unique Egg Hunt featuring baby goats, a rolling “arcade-style” egg hunt, and prize trading fun for kids. Enjoy hands-on time with adorable goats, explore the farm, and turn your collected eggs into prizes in this interactive spring experience. 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM HUNT

Frederick Gunn School, Washington – Enjoy a night of FREE world-class jazz featuring the Litchfield Jazz All-Stars, a lineup of renowned musicians from the acclaimed Litchfield Jazz Camp. Set in the beautiful Tisch Family Auditorium, this high-energy performance blends talent, education, and unforgettable live music. 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM JAZZ UP

Woodbury Brewing Company, Woodbury – Enjoy a night of classic hits with Stiletto – Billy Joel Tribute, delivering a high-energy performance celebrating the iconic songs of Billy Joel. Sing along to your favorites while enjoying great brews and a lively atmosphere. 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM JAM

Milton Market, Litchfield – Create a beautiful spring centerpiece with Sarah Worden Natural Design in this hands-on floral workshop. Learn the basics of arranging with fresh blooms and natural materials while enjoying a celebratory glass of bubbly in an intimate, small-group setting. 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM CREATE

Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market, Litchfield – Shop local at this vibrant indoor farmers market featuring fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and artisan products. Enjoy hot coffee, ready-to-eat bites, and unique finds from local vendors while connecting with the community. 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM SHOP

Gunn Memorial Library, Washington – Step into local history with this interactive workshop where kids and families explore past residents of the town before creating their own self-portraits. Blending storytelling, creativity, and hands-on fun, participants will even receive a custom trading card featuring their artwork. 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CRAFT

Village Center for the Arts, New Milford – Get your hands dirty at Clay Play, a fun, all-ages pottery class where you’ll learn the basics of the wheel and start creating right away. Perfect for beginners and families, this hands-on session offers a relaxed, creative experience for everyone. 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM THROW

Lee H. Kellogg School, Falls Village – Bring the family out for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt featuring a festive afternoon of community fun, photos with the Easter Bunny, and plenty of eggs to collect. Don’t forget your basket—this classic spring tradition kicks off promptly and offers a memorable day for kids and families alike. 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Hunt starts 1:15 PM) HUNT

Troutbeck, Amenia – Celebrate spring with a hands-on Cake Decorating Workshop led by Pastry Chef Emma. Learn step-by-step techniques in an intimate setting and decorate your own elegant 6" cake using provided tools and materials—perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM DECORATE

Belden House & Mews, Litchfield – Celebrate Easter with an elevated brunch experience featuring indulgent dishes like lobster eggs benedict, sourdough waffles with gravlax and caviar, and buttermilk pancakes. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with a special holiday ham offering and a menu perfect for a relaxed, elegant spring gathering. 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM EASTER BRUNCH

Sage and Salt, Litchfield – Celebrate Easter with Sage & Salt’s first-ever buffet-style brunch featuring a variety of seasonal favorites in a festive, welcoming setting. Perfect for gathering with family and friends—reservations required for this special holiday experience. 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM FEAST

Troutbeck, Amenia – Celebrate Easter with an elegant prix-fixe brunch featuring seasonal, locally sourced dishes crafted by Chef Vinny Gilberti. Enjoy a beautifully curated multi-course meal, plus a festive Easter Egg Hunt for guests, making this a refined yet family-friendly holiday experience. Egg Hunt 11:30 AM | Brunch 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM DINE

Kids in Art, Litchfield – Spring Session registration is now open for art classes ranging from ages 1 year through high school. Young artists can explore creativity through hands-on projects in a supportive and fun environment. Classes begin April 6 REGISTER

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If you’re able to chip in, your support keeps it going—and keeps local stories alive.
Thank you,
Patrick

See you soon! - Patrick