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Cabin Cousins: Part 1 Cousins reunion: a childhood friendship becomes love. Based on a post by NewMountain80, in 6 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Connections. Chapter One. It was one of those glorious mid-October days in Minnesota, where morning frost gives way to clear blue skies and temperatures warm enough for wearing tee shirts. My name is Charles, by the way, nice to meet you. Please don't call me Charlie, or Chuck or Chucky, I hate that. I work at a big box home improvement store near my home on the west side of the Twin Cities. I'm eighteen, and have spent most of the summer since graduating, being overworked and underpaid. I took Saturday, Sunday, and half of Friday off so that I could drive up and spend the weekend 'up north' at the family cabin, near Pelican Lake. Built by my great grandfather, Olaf Larson, in the early 1900's, the cabin was a place that anyone in my (quite large) extended family was free to use. The cabin itself is rather small, just a single room, adorned with a century's worth of hunting trophies and antique nick knacks. There were spaces in the woods around the cabin yard where people would park their RV's, and some nice grassy clearings for setting up tents. There was someone there on most weekends between spring and fall, and sometimes it was a pretty full house, with ten or twenty people showing up for a relaxing weekend of doing nothing. This, likely the last weekend of decent weather for the next six months or so, was going to be a busy one. I was halfway through the three hour drive, when my mom called me on my cell phone to make sure I was on my way, and if I had remembered my tent. Yes, I had remembered my tent, and yes, I remembered my sleeping bag and an extra blanket because it was going to get cold at night. Thanks, mom. Then she listed off who was there, and who else was on their way. Aunts and uncles, older brothers and sisters, relatives of every age and variety. My heart skipped a beat though, when she added as an afterthought that my cousin Melissa Olson, was there. Actually, she was my second cousin, but more importantly, she was my friend. Growing up, my weekends were occupied by exploring the woods around the cabin, fishing and swimming in the lake, or just hanging out around the fire pit chatting and telling stories. Many of those weekends, Melissa was right there at my side. I had more in common with her than with any of the male relatives close to my age, in terms of interests and personality, so often it was just the two of us. About three years back, there was some kind of family drama that I really didn't pay attention to, but as a result, the whole branch of the family that Melissa belonged to stopped showing up to family gatherings. I was fifteen at the time, and though I was really sad that I didn't get to see Melissa anymore, I was, you know, fifteen. At that age, there is so much going on in your life that, as sad as a change may be, something else always fills the gap. Once off the phone with my mom, all I could think about was Melissa. Memories of our adventures effervesced in my mind. I thought of the last time I saw her, how she smiled and said "See you next time!" with a quick hug. Through the years growing up, I never really put much thought into her appearance, but remembering that last goodbye, it dawned on me that she had always been quite pretty. At fifteen, she was only a little shorter than my own average height, and had a slim athletic build. She was always big into track and field sports at her school. What I remember most about her was her smile, carefree and easily expressed, and her eyes. She had the most beautiful icy blue eyes I had ever seen, eyes that truly were windows to her soul. Maybe it's just that I knew her so well, but with just one glance at her eyes, I could tell instantly what she was feeling, and have a pretty good idea of what she was thinking about. I wondered if it would be the same way after not seeing her for three years. She was almost exactly the same age as me, having been born in February of 1980, to my January of the same year, which means that she must have graduated high school this year too. I began imagining what she looked like now, and was only a few miles away from the cabin when I realized I had a raging erection. This, was no good. Regardless of how I was getting aroused.  The thought was of a childhood friend who was also a relative. I'll say I wasn't too proud of it, at that moment. I couldn't show up to a family gathering like this. I turned off onto a forestry road that I knew well, and piloted my pickup down one of the narrow overgrown logging trails that deer hunters use, to get to their stands. I've been down all of these trails, and know a hundred places that are perfect for when someone needs a little "alone time". I parked my truck and listened for a minute, just to be sure there wasn't anyone else driving around nearby. Still in the driver's seat, I unbuttoned my fly, and pulled my pants down to my ankles. I wrapped a hand around my cock and sighed with the pleasure of immanent release. Normally I would spunk to fantasies involving girls from high school, or one of the models from the couple of nudie mags I had hidden under my mattress at home. But right then, all I could imagine was Melissa, and my mental image of what she looked like now. I stroked furiously, and felt myself quickly building to orgasm. I hastily rummaged in the door pocket for a napkin with my left hand, found one, and barely had enough time to get it into place before I erupted. I groaned as I came, sending spurt after spurt of cum into the napkin, which wasn't up to the task of containing such a massive load. I sat there for a while, breathing hard, and feeling the cum that had soaked through the napkin ooze onto the palm of my left hand. It had been a while since I had cum that hard or that quickly. As the glow of orgasm faded, I started thinking that it wasn't right to get off like this to Melissa, but I knew I would have been a liar; if I said I wouldn't do it again. I cleaned up as best as I could with a few more napkins, got my pants back up, and checked myself in the vanity mirror just in case there was some glaring evidence that I had just jerked off. Satisfied that I looked normal, I arranged myself in my underwear so that if and when I got another boner, it would at least be pointing down, and not straight out for all of the family to see. I arrived at the cabin a few minutes later. People were spread out, around the yard; reading books, getting fishing equipment ready, or tending the fire in the stone fire pit. I was greeted with waves and hellos; nothing very enthusiastic. I mean, I do see most of these people pretty regularly. And honestly, I wasn't overly excited to see them either. I was however, very excited to see Melissa again, but looking around the yard, I didn't spot her anywhere. Then I heard the sharp crack sound that the cabin's screen door makes when someone lets it's spring slams itself shut. I looked over, and saw Melissa walking around the corner of the cabin. I hope no one saw my jaw drop, because she was gorgeous. She was barefoot, her long athletic legs disappearing beneath a knee-length flower pattern sun dress that flowed around her as she strode. Her hair was longer that she used to have it, and it trailed gracefully behind her, it's sandy blonde color glowing in the sunlight. When she noticed me, her face lit up. The warmth of her smile could have melted a glacier. "Charles!" She squealed. She ran across the yard and practically threw herself into my arms, hugging me tight. I hugged her back, just as tight. "Oh my God, it's so good to see you!" She said, laughing with joy. I don't think anyone had ever been so excited to see me in my entire life, and it felt a bit awkward, but I felt the same about her, so I just went with it. "It's great to see you too." I said. We broke off our hug, but she kept an arm around my back. She started moving towards the cabin, and I went with, putting an arm across her shoulders. "It's been over three years," She said excitedly. "We have so much to catch up on!" I craned my neck up to try and look down on her. "I see you're still a little bit shorter than me?" She poked me in the belly and said with mock sternness. "You're wearing boots. Take them off and we're the same height." Be both laughed, and I was struck again at how beautiful she was. Even her laugh was like music. As we walked, my eyes strayed to her chest, where the slightest bit of a lacy white bra could be seen under the edge of her dress. Her tits were, for lack of a better word, perfect. They weren't large, a B cup I imagined, as if I knew anything about the particulars of tit size. What they were though, were proportionate. They were just the right size and shape for her. I was starting to imagine what they would look like free from any clothes, and must have spent just a few too many seconds looking. Something made me look up at her face, and I saw her watching me with a funny little smile. Our eyes locked, and I was surprised to not only see a lack of offence there, but for all I could tell, she was pleased that I was ogling her. She looked away with a satisfied smile, and gave me a little squeeze with the arm that was still around my back. "Your mom is almost done with dinner. I don't know about you, but I'm starving." Chapter Two. My mom fried up walleye that my older brothers had caught earlier that day, and we all ate more than we should have, but man, nothing is better than pan-fried walleye that was in the lake just a few hours prior. After dinner, when everyone was just lounging around and catching up on gossip, I got my tent out of the bed of my pickup, and started walking towards the farthest away clearing to set it up in. Melissa called out to me. "Can you set mine up too?" "Sure." I called back. "Where do you want it?" "Next to yours is fine. I promise I don't snore too loud." She replied, which got some laughs. I set up the tents, and went back, claiming a spot on one of the benches near the fire. Melissa had changed out of her dress into some loose-fitting jeans and a blue tee shirt. She was in the process of explaining what she had been up to recently. She had moved out of her parent's house in Duluth back in February, on her eighteenth birthday. She didn't have a place to stay yet, so she spent a few weeks living in her car, a beat up old Toyota Camry, before one of her friend's parents took pity on her, and let her stay with them until she got her own place. Now, if you know anything about being in Duluth, Minnesota in February, you can imagine how much that sucked. My heart ached in empathy for her, and I actually teared up a little. Thankfully the wind was shifting around, so I could pass it off as just getting smoke in my eyes. Melissa continued her story, about how the people who had taken her in offered her a part time job to work as a cashier in their store. She worked evenings and weekends until she graduated high school; at which point she got a small apartment south of town. She still worked at their shop, but now pretty much ran the place, which the owners were ecstatic about, because it finally gave them the opportunity to do some traveling. As I listened, I became more and more in awe of Melissa. Let's use me as an example to compare and contrast. I'm of average height for a guy, with an average build. Melissa is slightly above average height for a girl, with a fit and toned body. My face isn't particularly handsome. Again, very average. She has the heart-shaped face of an angel. I live at home with my parents. I don't pay rent. I have an okay job, but what money I make, I tend to spend frivolously. She has her own apartment, a good job, and is saving her own money to go to college next year. I couldn't do anything but watch her as she talked. I noticed tiny details that I never even thought to look for on anyone else; How her neck moved when she talked, how she flipped her head to get her hair out of her face, how every time our eyes met, her smile would get just a little bit wider. I felt utterly unworthy to be in the presence of such a glorious creature. As the night went on, people went off to their beds in their campers and tents, or one of the four beds in the cabin and its three season porch. Eventually it was just me and Melissa. She came over and sat in the old metal glider bench seat, right next to me, resting her head on my shoulder and gazing into the glowing remnants of the fire. "I've missed coming here." She said quietly. "It's so peaceful." "I missed you." I replied. She looked up at me and smiled. "I've missed you too." For a long time we sat there in silence just staring at the red and orange coals. Eventually they were dying away, and we began to see our breath in the increasingly chilly air. Melissa yawned. Even the way she did that, was beautiful to me. "I think it's time for bed." I whispered to her. She nodded in agreement, and I walked with her to where our tents were. She gave me a tired hug, said goodnight, and went into her tent. I entered my own tent, stripped down to my underwear, (I always sleep in just my boxer briefs,) and crawled into my sleeping bag. It was one of those big flannel old-school ones, not one of those small mummy bags. It had enough room inside for me to really sprawl out, and was plenty warm enough for camping in just about any kind of weather. I'm pretty sure I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. I awoke to a rustling in the leaves outside my tent. It was too heavy to be from raccoons. My first thought was that it was a black bear, as it wasn't unusual for a black bear to wonder through the cabin yard. But when I heard the zipper to the tent flap, I was reassured. I was confused though, as to who would be coming into my tent in the middle of the night. The flap opened, and I saw a silhouette, blond hair glowing silver in the moonlight. My heart instantly started racing. Was I dreaming? Melissa was sneaking into my tent! With the moonlight coming through the open tent flap, she could see that I was awake. "I'm c-cold." She whispered. Without thinking, I opened up my sleeping bag. "Come on." I whispered. She crawled into the tent, zipping up the flap behind her, then scrambled into my sleeping bag with me, still fully dressed. She was freezing. I pulled her in tight to me, spooning her from behind, and wrapping one arm under her neck, the other one over her, and wrapping around her waist. I even had one leg over her thigh. I explained it was to transfer body heat as quickly as I could. Her shivering eventually subsided. As she drifted off to sleep, she said in a barely audible whisper. "I hate the cold." While her breathing reduced to long, slow, deep breaths; I laid there thinking about just how much I loved this moment with Melissa. I've had a few girlfriends, but none of them were very serious. Even though I thought I loved them, I now knew that I had no idea of what love was. Until this moment. As I watched Melissa sleep, I realized that I loved her, truly and deeply. I nestled my face against the back of her neck, breathing in the herbal smell of her. I fell back asleep with joy in my heart. When I awoke again, it was just getting to be light out, and the first birds were beginning to sing. I looked at Melissa, still wrapped in my arms, and sleeping with an expression of serene contentment. It was at this time that my body caught on to the fact that it was pressed up against a very beautiful female, and I started to get worried that the rock hard penis pressing into Melissa's lower back would wake her up. I don't know if it was because of that, but she did wake up before too long. She shifted and stretched, before slightly rotating her back so she was nestling back against me. "What happened last night?" I asked with my arm on my hip. "Don't you have a sleeping bag?" "I do, I got it at Goodwill, so it was cheap, but it's not very good." "Well, I have a blanket you can use, and I'm pretty sure there's extra bedding in the cabin." She sighed contentedly and pulled my arm back around her waist. "Or; I could sleep here again tonight?" "Or you could sleep here tonight." I replied. After a little while she said. "You're warm." And hard, I thought. There was no way she didn't know. I yearned to kiss her. I yearned to grab her hips and grind my cock against her. I wanted to explore her whole body with my hands. I wanted her to put her hands on me. But I was terrified of doing anything, even suggesting anything that she didn't want. I was torn, because I was pretty sure that she did want something. The looks she gave me the previous day, the little smiles, and now snuggling up against me and my hard cock, all screamed in my head to do something, anything! I was just about to slide my hand down to her hip when she announced. "I have to pee." As she was leaving my tent, she turned back and gave me a small kiss on the cheek, a quick smile, then was gone. It took a while for my hard-on to subside, but once it did, I got dressed and went outside. Chapter Three. With a slight detour through the trees, (being a guy has some advantages, the whole forest is my urinal.) I joined the family in the cabin yard. One of my uncles was making eggs and bacon on a grill top griddle, and everyone else was in a different state of waking up. My mom asked Melissa and me, if we were warm enough in our tents last night, and informed us that there were extra blankets. I said that I was fine. Melissa cheerily replied that she was toasty warm, and I had to look away to avoid being seen smiling like an idiot. Even though nothing happened, it still wouldn't look good for the whole family to know that I was spooning my cousin all night. After breakfast, it seemed like everyone but Melissa and I, had plans to do things during the day. Some were going fishing, some were going into Pine River, Breezy Point, and Nisswa, to shop the antique stores and other shops. Melissa looked at me with that smile that somehow was more than just an innocent smile. "So, what do you want to do today?" She asked me. "We could go for a hike. Find some of the trails we used to know?" Her face lit up. "Yes! Let's go find Pine Grove Cathedral! We could bring lunch and make a picnic out of it, too!" "So, what do you want to eat for lunch?" "I don't know, what do you want to eat for lunch?" She said mockingly, then laughed. "Oh, no, I don't play that game. I know what I like to eat, so I'll get the lunch together." She hopped up from the camp chair she was sitting in, and skipped to the cabin. Like, actually skipped. It was adorable. Though, how her ass moved in her jeans as she went, was an even better sight. I stuffed an old quilt into a backpack, then after a moment's thought, crammed in two hoodies. It might get cold earlier tonight, I was not going to let Melissa be cold if there was anything I could do about it. Soon we were walking side by side along the dirt road that lead past the cabin. From there we cut along an ATV trail to one of the State forestry roads, heading deep into the woods where there weren't any other cabins. We chatted as we walked, about music and school, and a host of other mundane things. It really didn't matter to me what we talked about. At some point we started holding hands, and it seemed like the most wonderful, natural thing ever. I began to notice that, unlike literally every other conversation I had ever had, with anyone my age, Melissa was being absolutely honest and forthright. Like an open book, she wasn't hiding anything, so I made a conscious decision to do the same for her. When the conversation came to the topic of previous relationships, I told her about some embarrassing things that happened to me when I was with my first girlfriend. Things that I had sworn to myself to never speak of again. She laughed, but with me, not at me, and countered with an even more embarrassing story from her past. It was surreal. We shared what our thoughts and feelings were, when we had been in particularly awkward situations. We told each other our fears and insecurities. It felt so good to lay my most personal self out before her, and be accepted as who I am. And to have her do the same, well, it was by far the most amazing experience of my life, so far. We had wondered down miles of ever smaller dirt roads, until the two dirt tracks on a grassy path ended in a clearing, marking the farthest someone could go in a car. There were a couple of footpaths that led away from here, and I had to search a bit through the overgrown brush to find the one I wanted. At one time the path was a logging road, but all traces of that were long gone. Back in the twenties, or even before, this whole area had been clear cut. Most of the existing forest had grown up naturally from that, but there were some places that had been replanted, then forgotten about. The path led us up a hillside, thick with huge Oaks, and Elms, and Maples, leaves ablaze in oranges, reds, and yellows, in dazzling and vivid variety. When we neared the top of the hill, we looked at each other and smiled. The place up ahead was our favorite place in all of the this forest. We weren't ever officially allowed to go this far on our own, which had made it all the more special. Cresting the hill, the forest changed. Gone were the leafy hardwoods, in their place were endless evenly spaced rows of towering Red Pines. For as far as we could see in every direction, arrow-straight trunks rose to the sky. Far above, their branches intertwined, lush needles blocking any but the barest glimpse of the sky. Even though we were grown up, this place still had that awe-inspiring sense of hugeness. Our talking stopped as we were struck with a sense of reverence for this magical place. In silence, we walked down the row for a while, then cut across the rows towards a patch of sunlight in the distance. It was a clear space where a storm, long before our time, had blown down some trees, which had then been scavenged for firewood. I was pleased to see that it wasn't overgrown with trees, but had remained a perfect little grassy meadow, nestled inside a living cathedral. We walked out into the middle, and looked around. Melissa spoke softly. "Nothing from my childhood is ever as good as I remember it, but this.." She trailed off. "Is better." I added, watching her closely. "So much better." She agreed, turning in a circle to take it all in. She stopped, facing me. "Are you hungry?" I asked. She gave me that funny little smile, and when her blue eyes met my green ones, it finally clicked. The whole time since our reunion, every time she looked at me, the same emotion, the same desire, was there to see in her eyes, clear as day. When she responded with "I'm starving," I knew she didn't just mean that she was hungry for the sandwiches she had in her backpack. But, then again, we had just walked almost ten miles through the woods. So, when she started digging out the aforementioned sandwiches, I wasn't completely disappointed. Chapter Four. I spread out the old quilt I had packed, and we sat cross legged facing each other, close enough for our knees to be touching. We talked as we ate, and laughed at the occasional burp, or dribble of jelly from our p b and j sandwiches, that were gone in short order. We had talked about some pretty personal things today, but what she asked next, kinda caught me off guard. "How often do guys jerk off?" Without trepidation I replied. "I jerk off at least once a day, usually before bed. I think I'm pretty normal as guys go, so... yeah." "So, do you just, Could you do it more if you wanted to?" She asked, looking genuinely curious. "Yeah, I guess. There's usually tons of times during the day that I could do it if I had the time and the privacy." "Could you do it any time you want, like, do you need to get in the mood?" I laughed. "Guys don't need much to get in the mood. Like really, it doesn't take much at all to get me hard, and then I'm ready to go, if I wanted to. It's actually pretty annoying. What about you, girls I mean?" "Oh, I'm horny All the time. For the longest time, I thought I was some kind of sexual pervert, until one of my girlfriends said she was the same way." Subconsciously conjuring a few mental images, and out of my own curiosity, I asked. "How often do you?" "Every morning. Every night. Usually once during the day." She stated matter-of-factually. "Wow." I said, then after a slightly awkward pause. "Are you right now?" "All. The. Time." She said, staring into my eyes. "Especially right now." "Me too" I said softly. She glanced quickly down to the bulge in my pants, then returned her eyes to mine. "I noticed." Her voice was almost a whisper. She leaned in a little closer to me. "Have you, since you got here yesterday?" "I did on the way up, to avoid any, you know, embarrassment that might pop up, but not since. You?" She shook her head in the negative, and moved closer. Her face was right in front of mine. I studied the intricate detail of her irises, and by the way they moved, I could tell she was studying mine. Our lips were so close to touching, I could feel the heat of her quick and shallow breath on my face. I summoned the courage to make the actual first move. She made a tiny inaudible gasp as my hand brushed the underside of her jawline, and slid along her neck under her ear. I let my fingers sift their way into her silky hair, and gently cupped the back of her head. As I pulled her towards me, her lips parted to meet mine. My tongue found hers, and we both made a humming moan of pleasure, as we began kissing. Slowly at first, tentative and gentle, but soon becoming more urgent and intense. We were like two starving people, set before a lavish buffet. After the first few bites, the body remembers what it needs most, and ravenous hunger takes control. After what seemed like forever, and no time at all, we parted, breathing heavy and licking saliva off of slightly numb lips. The look in her eyes, was subtly different now. The need was still there, without a doubt, but now I could see so much more. A tiny change in the way she was looking at me, or perhaps just a change of how I was seeing her, and it was as if her eyes were screaming "I love you!" I hoped she could see my love for her, in my eyes. She moved back in quickly, and our kissing resumed. This time it remained slow and passionate, and was all the sweeter for it. Our hands began roving over each other's body, from neck to back, to hips, to chest, and every curve and line between. I cupped her firm tits and gave them slight squeeze, making her moan into my mouth. She caressed my cheeks with her palms, then slowly trailed her hands down, down, down, until she found my belt. She fumbled around a little, trying to get it unbuckled, so I reached down and helped. That done, she wasted no time in undoing the top button of my button fly jeans. With the first one free, she pulled to the sides, and the rest popped open in a string. We had stopped kissing, as what was going on required a little bit more concentration than we would have been able to give. I shifted a little to make it easier for her to tug on my underwear, and send a hand down inside. I gasped as she closed her hand around my Very erect cock, and pulled it up into the open. Realizing I was behind in the undoing-of-pants race, I went for her waist, only to find her jeans already open. Sneaky girl. She must have done her own before mine. I laid beside her, the two of us on our sides, facing each other. I slid a hand inside her pale blue panties, and was surprised to find that she had shaved her pubic hair. Not that it's anything strange or unusual, I just wasn't expecting it. I liked it. I went farther down, and when my fingers slid down along her labia, she shuddered. Breathing hard now, she pressed her cheek against mine, then started sliding her hand up and down my shaft. She was doing it very differently than I do it, naturally; and I had been a little anxious that she wouldn't know how to do it right. Well, she didn't. But that didn't matter, because it still felt amazing. I slid my middle finger into the wet hotness between her pussy lips, moving it slowly through and back. I varied the motion a little bit, here and there, being mindful of how her body responded. When I would do something, and she would gasp in pleasure, I did more of that. Remembering something I read in a magazine, yes I read the articles too, I moved my hand a little farther down and found the opening to her hole with my middle finger. I slowly pushed it inside of her. She moaned loudly, and rested her head on my shoulder. I moved my free hand to the back of her head, holding her against me. She had stopped stroking me, but I didn't care. She laid flat on her back and surrendered to my overture. I wanted to make her cum. I needed, to make her cum. I began moving my finger in and out of her, massaging the inside of her, with a "come here" motion, just like the article said to do. She was moaning with every breath now, and she started rocking her hips in time with my finger. Her moans got louder and louder, every breath quicker than the last. I moved my finger a little quicker, with a little more pressure. Finally, she took one last deep breath and held it in. Her whole body was quivering, and I could feel her pussy spasm tightly around my finger. She let out her breath as a long sigh. She raised her head and rolled to look at me with complete satisfaction. Cupping my face with her hand, she kissed me. Remembering that she had neglected my needs, she pulled back a little and started to say; "I'm sorry", but I stopped her with a finger to her lips. I kissed her, and as I did, I felt both of her hands wrap around my cock. She must have read an article or two, herself, because what she did, felt wonderful. She sat up and rolled me onto my back. She moved her hands in unison, up and down, gripping firmly, but not too hard. She added a slight twist to the hand that went over the head of my cock, and it was my turn to start moaning. She laid down by me, her head on my shoulder as I took her into my embrace. She looked down to watch what she was doing to me, and I kissed her forehead, before beginning to pant into her hair She kept stroking me, and I could feel my own orgasm build. This wasn't a quick jerk and spurt, like I'm usually satisfied with. No, this was different. This orgasm was building like an avalanche, powerful and unstoppable. I was distinctly aware that I was ever closer to climax, I could tell that she was excited to have this opportunity. Release was immanent, and I managed to gasp "I'm going to cum". The avalanche roared through me, and I shuddered as I felt spurt after spurt of cum shoot through my cock. My geyser shot up and slightly off to my side, where in landed somewhere in the patchwork quilt. Melissa sat up and witnessed the 3 following ‘aftershocks'.  My hand was back in her panties, finger again inside her, so I went back to work. I felt her body respond to my renewed attentions, quickly re-attaining that urgent build to climax. She moved back down to my embrace, and I used my free hand to keep fingering her engorged twat. She was shaking soon, and pressed her palm over my hand, to keep it pressed deep and hard inside her cunt; having cum again from my ministrations. Neither of us moved a muscle for at least a minute, until we had both caught our breath. She looked up at me, and we stared into each other's eyes. No words were necessary. The bond between us was undeniable, unbreakable. Hearts, minds and souls, as one. As perfect as the moment was, I'll admit lying like I was for so long, on a lumpy patch of the meadow, was getting uncomfortable. She made a tiny disappointed sound when I removed my hand from her pants. We both looked down. She had caught much my jizz in her hand, and my hand was soaking wet with her juices. We both started laughing. Then, like it was the most ordinary thing to do, she raised her hand to her mouth and slurped up the cum, licking her palm clean. I, in turn, licked my own hand clean. "I like how you taste." She said softly. "You taste wonderful." I replied. And she did. It wasn't like anything I'd ever tasted before, almost; sweet. Most of all, it was the taste of her, which by that fact alone, made it great. We got out of our current positions, and I laid down on my back, in a better, softer spot on the blanket. She gently laid her body down on mine. Her chest was on my belly and her thighs straddled my legs. I intertwined the fingers of one hand with one of hers, and rested my other on her hip. I must have fallen asleep, because the next thing I knew, the sunbeams were gone from our magical little clearing. I checked my watch and discovered that I had been asleep for at least an hour and a half. It was nearly three in the afternoon. Melissa was awake, and watching my every move. She gave me a brief kiss. "You're adorable when you're sleeping." "You didn't sleep?" She shook her head. "Watching you was way better than sleep." Even after all we had shared, I found myself blushing. She giggled. "You're adorable when you're awake too." Her giggle was contagious, I couldn't help but join her. I kissed her, and said. "We should really get going." She nodded in agreement, and her smile faded ever so slightly, which nearly broke my heart. Chapter Five. On the hike back to the cabin, there was significantly less talking. For the most part, we were both perfectly content to hold hands and enjoy the colorful autumn scenery. Every once in a while, one of us would ask something like "Favorite color?", and we would both give our answer. Her favorite color is blue, mine is red. While there were some differences in the things we liked, we found that we had much more in common, just like how we were years ago. For example, we both loved cheesy science-fiction movies, and thought that the soundtrack to "Conan The Barbarian" was just about the best soundtrack to a movie; ever. Our favorite food was pepperoni pizza, and our favorite fast food was Taco Bell. I could go on and on, but suffice to say, I had more in common with Melissa than I did with any of my guy friends. It was nearly dark, and we were about a half mile from the cabin, and just passing by a long abandoned old shack, when I had an idea. I stopped walking. A few steps up the road she stopped and faced me, confused. I stepped forward, grabbed her hand, and led her around to the back of the shack. Once safely out of sight from the road, I pulled her close and kissed her passionately. She melted into my arms. When we broke the kiss to catch our breath, I whispered. "Turn around, and lean back into me." Which she did without question. I brushed her hair aside, and started kissing her neck, soliciting a sigh of pleasure. While I did that, I cupped her tits, squeezing them gently. I could feel her nipples through her clothes, and I gave them the gentlest of pinches, which she seemed to really like. My hands moved down her flat belly, and I managed to get her pants undone very quickly. I trailed my fingertips along the lines between her hips and her groin, and I could feel her push her hips forward, desperate for my hand to reach its destination. My fingers teased her between her bald pussy lips in the ways that had got the best reaction earlier, and I was not disappointed. With great concentration, I used two of my fingers to spread her lips apart slightly, then slowly sank my middle finger into her, as deeply as I could. I started doing the thing that had made her cum twice already, today. She groaned in ecstasy. As her pleasure build towards release, I pushed a second finger inside of her cunt. Her knees went weak, and I found that between the arm around her chest holding her to me, and the hand with two fingers deep inside her, I was holding up most of her weight. In her labored breathing, she quietly gasped the word "yes." I moved my fingers in the same "come here" motion I did with just the one, being ultra-attentive to her reactions. Tiny variations in my movements yielded big results, and she came quickly, body tensing and quivering all over. As she fought to get her ragged breathing under control, she managed to whisper. "Oh my god you are good at this!" I whispered back. "I'm glad." I was glad, and damn if I wasn't proud of myself. I was not only able to make her cum, but apparently I'm able to make her do it in spectacular fashion. I made a quiet vow to myself, that I would study even the tiniest of ways her body reacted, so every time we were together like this, it would be better for her. When she could stand on her own, she turned and wrapped her arms around me in a hug, resting her head on my shoulder. She held me tightly, and didn't move. I could tell that something was different, something was; wrong? Instantly worried that I had done something to upset her, I asked as gently as I could. "What is it?" She pulled her face up and looked at me. There were tears in her eyes. He voice was sorrowful. "I don't deserve you." I wanted to say something like "Of course you do." but she cut me off before I could respond. "No, I don't deserve you. You're just so kind, and wonderful, and amazing, and the way you look at me makes my heart melt." Tears rolled down her perfect cheeks, and her voice became anguished. "And I Can't have you. No one would ever accept this." She did have a point. A point I had swept into a corner of my mind, and hidden under a rug. We were second cousins. Technically, it's perfectly legal for us to be together, and as societal taboos went, it was actually pretty low on the list. But our friends and family would absolutely, one hundred percent, not be okay with it. I didn't know what to say, so I stayed quiet. "I ran away from my family. Some of them are just shitty people, and I couldn't care less what they thought about me." She was almost sobbing now. "But I love your family. You mom is just the best, and your brothers and sisters, everybody... I couldn't live with what they would think of me, and I couldn't live with what they would think about you." The look of pleading in her eyes made my heart break, and I began to cry. I didn't have an answer. We had found something so special, so perfect. We got just a taste of what we could be together. To face the fact that this wonderful thing had to end, that it couldn't blossom into what we both dreamed it could be, was devastating. I rubbed her back as she cried into my shoulder. "Growing up, every time my parents would bring me up here, I would ask, is Melissa going to be there? When they'd say no, I was always so disappointed. Seeing you up here; was something that I always looked forward to." Her crying began to slow as she listened to me talk. "All of my best memories were made here, with you. When it was time to go home, I was always sad, but I had to go home. I had school and friends, a whole different life. When I'd ask my parents if you were going to be here, and they said yes, that was always the happiest I'd been since we last said goodbye." She looked at me, the crying having nearly stopped. "So, we live two lives? I don't know if we can do that." "If it's the choice between that, and nothing at all..." She nodded her head slowly. "People will find out, eventually." "We'll just have to be careful." I cupped her face in my hands. "Living without you now, is not an option." It really wasn't an option. Not after the last, what, thirty hours? Did I really fall so madly in love with this person in only a day and a half? No, of course not. This was a love that had taken a lifetime to build. We reunited after three years apart, and were now mature enough to realize what could be, and we reached for it. Now that we had both grasped it, neither of us could ever let go. We stayed behind the shack for a while, to regain our composure. It was almost fully dark out now, and starting to get chilly, so I gave Melissa one of the hoodies I had packed. She put it on gratefully, and it warmed my heart to see her smile back on her face. As we turned down the cabin's driveway, she leaned over to me and said. "Our situation is very Shakespearean. Star crossed lovers and all that." I chuckled. "Just hopefully without, you know, the poison and the dagger." To be continued in part 2. Based on a post by NewMountain80, in 6 parts, for Literotica.

Cabin Cousins: Part 1 Cousins reunion: a childhood friendship becomes love. Based on a post by NewMountain80, in 6 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Connections. Chapter One. It was one of those glorious mid-October days in Minnesota, where morning frost gives way to clear blue skies and temperatures warm enough for wearing tee shirts. My name is Charles, by the way, nice to meet you. Please don't call me Charlie, or Chuck or Chucky, I hate that. I work at a big box home improvement store near my home on the west side of the Twin Cities. I'm eighteen, and have spent most of the summer since graduating, being overworked and underpaid. I took Saturday, Sunday, and half of Friday off so that I could drive up and spend the weekend 'up north' at the family cabin, near Pelican Lake. Built by my great grandfather, Olaf Larson, in the early 1900's, the cabin was a place that anyone in my (quite large) extended family was free to use. The cabin itself is rather small, just a single room, adorned with a century's worth of hunting trophies and antique nick knacks. There were spaces in the woods around the cabin yard where people would park their RV's, and some nice grassy clearings for setting up tents. There was someone there on most weekends between spring and fall, and sometimes it was a pretty full house, with ten or twenty people showing up for a relaxing weekend of doing nothing. This, likely the last weekend of decent weather for the next six months or so, was going to be a busy one. I was halfway through the three hour drive, when my mom called me on my cell phone to make sure I was on my way, and if I had remembered my tent. Yes, I had remembered my tent, and yes, I remembered my sleeping bag and an extra blanket because it was going to get cold at night. Thanks, mom. Then she listed off who was there, and who else was on their way. Aunts and uncles, older brothers and sisters, relatives of every age and variety. My heart skipped a beat though, when she added as an afterthought that my cousin Melissa Olson, was there. Actually, she was my second cousin, but more importantly, she was my friend. Growing up, my weekends were occupied by exploring the woods around the cabin, fishing and swimming in the lake, or just hanging out around the fire pit chatting and telling stories. Many of those weekends, Melissa was right there at my side. I had more in common with her than with any of the male relatives close to my age, in terms of interests and personality, so often it was just the two of us. About three years back, there was some kind of family drama that I really didn't pay attention to, but as a result, the whole branch of the family that Melissa belonged to stopped showing up to family gatherings. I was fifteen at the time, and though I was really sad that I didn't get to see Melissa anymore, I was, you know, fifteen. At that age, there is so much going on in your life that, as sad as a change may be, something else always fills the gap. Once off the phone with my mom, all I could think about was Melissa. Memories of our adventures effervesced in my mind. I thought of the last time I saw her, how she smiled and said "See you next time!" with a quick hug. Through the years growing up, I never really put much thought into her appearance, but remembering that last goodbye, it dawned on me that she had always been quite pretty. At fifteen, she was only a little shorter than my own average height, and had a slim athletic build. She was always big into track and field sports at her school. What I remember most about her was her smile, carefree and easily expressed, and her eyes. She had the most beautiful icy blue eyes I had ever seen, eyes that truly were windows to her soul. Maybe it's just that I knew her so well, but with just one glance at her eyes, I could tell instantly what she was feeling, and have a pretty good idea of what she was thinking about. I wondered if it would be the same way after not seeing her for three years. She was almost exactly the same age as me, having been born in February of 1980, to my January of the same year, which means that she must have graduated high school this year too. I began imagining what she looked like now, and was only a few miles away from the cabin when I realized I had a raging erection. This, was no good. Regardless of how I was getting aroused.  The thought was of a childhood friend who was also a relative. I'll say I wasn't too proud of it, at that moment. I couldn't show up to a family gathering like this. I turned off onto a forestry road that I knew well, and piloted my pickup down one of the narrow overgrown logging trails that deer hunters use, to get to their stands. I've been down all of these trails, and know a hundred places that are perfect for when someone needs a little "alone time". I parked my truck and listened for a minute, just to be sure there wasn't anyone else driving around nearby. Still in the driver's seat, I unbuttoned my fly, and pulled my pants down to my ankles. I wrapped a hand around my cock and sighed with the pleasure of immanent release. Normally I would spunk to fantasies involving girls from high school, or one of the models from the couple of nudie mags I had hidden under my mattress at home. But right then, all I could imagine was Melissa, and my mental image of what she looked like now. I stroked furiously, and felt myself quickly building to orgasm. I hastily rummaged in the door pocket for a napkin with my left hand, found one, and barely had enough time to get it into place before I erupted. I groaned as I came, sending spurt after spurt of cum into the napkin, which wasn't up to the task of containing such a massive load. I sat there for a while, breathing hard, and feeling the cum that had soaked through the napkin ooze onto the palm of my left hand. It had been a while since I had cum that hard or that quickly. As the glow of orgasm faded, I started thinking that it wasn't right to get off like this to Melissa, but I knew I would have been a liar; if I said I wouldn't do it again. I cleaned up as best as I could with a few more napkins, got my pants back up, and checked myself in the vanity mirror just in case there was some glaring evidence that I had just jerked off. Satisfied that I looked normal, I arranged myself in my underwear so that if and when I got another boner, it would at least be pointing down, and not straight out for all of the family to see. I arrived at the cabin a few minutes later. People were spread out, around the yard; reading books, getting fishing equipment ready, or tending the fire in the stone fire pit. I was greeted with waves and hellos; nothing very enthusiastic. I mean, I do see most of these people pretty regularly. And honestly, I wasn't overly excited to see them either. I was however, very excited to see Melissa again, but looking around the yard, I didn't spot her anywhere. Then I heard the sharp crack sound that the cabin's screen door makes when someone lets it's spring slams itself shut. I looked over, and saw Melissa walking around the corner of the cabin. I hope no one saw my jaw drop, because she was gorgeous. She was barefoot, her long athletic legs disappearing beneath a knee-length flower pattern sun dress that flowed around her as she strode. Her hair was longer that she used to have it, and it trailed gracefully behind her, it's sandy blonde color glowing in the sunlight. When she noticed me, her face lit up. The warmth of her smile could have melted a glacier. "Charles!" She squealed. She ran across the yard and practically threw herself into my arms, hugging me tight. I hugged her back, just as tight. "Oh my God, it's so good to see you!" She said, laughing with joy. I don't think anyone had ever been so excited to see me in my entire life, and it felt a bit awkward, but I felt the same about her, so I just went with it. "It's great to see you too." I said. We broke off our hug, but she kept an arm around my back. She started moving towards the cabin, and I went with, putting an arm across her shoulders. "It's been over three years," She said excitedly. "We have so much to catch up on!" I craned my neck up to try and look down on her. "I see you're still a little bit shorter than me?" She poked me in the belly and said with mock sternness. "You're wearing boots. Take them off and we're the same height." Be both laughed, and I was struck again at how beautiful she was. Even her laugh was like music. As we walked, my eyes strayed to her chest, where the slightest bit of a lacy white bra could be seen under the edge of her dress. Her tits were, for lack of a better word, perfect. They weren't large, a B cup I imagined, as if I knew anything about the particulars of tit size. What they were though, were proportionate. They were just the right size and shape for her. I was starting to imagine what they would look like free from any clothes, and must have spent just a few too many seconds looking. Something made me look up at her face, and I saw her watching me with a funny little smile. Our eyes locked, and I was surprised to not only see a lack of offence there, but for all I could tell, she was pleased that I was ogling her. She looked away with a satisfied smile, and gave me a little squeeze with the arm that was still around my back. "Your mom is almost done with dinner. I don't know about you, but I'm starving." Chapter Two. My mom fried up walleye that my older brothers had caught earlier that day, and we all ate more than we should have, but man, nothing is better than pan-fried walleye that was in the lake just a few hours prior. After dinner, when everyone was just lounging around and catching up on gossip, I got my tent out of the bed of my pickup, and started walking towards the farthest away clearing to set it up in. Melissa called out to me. "Can you set mine up too?" "Sure." I called back. "Where do you want it?" "Next to yours is fine. I promise I don't snore too loud." She replied, which got some laughs. I set up the tents, and went back, claiming a spot on one of the benches near the fire. Melissa had changed out of her dress into some loose-fitting jeans and a blue tee shirt. She was in the process of explaining what she had been up to recently. She had moved out of her parent's house in Duluth back in February, on her eighteenth birthday. She didn't have a place to stay yet, so she spent a few weeks living in her car, a beat up old Toyota Camry, before one of her friend's parents took pity on her, and let her stay with them until she got her own place. Now, if you know anything about being in Duluth, Minnesota in February, you can imagine how much that sucked. My heart ached in empathy for her, and I actually teared up a little. Thankfully the wind was shifting around, so I could pass it off as just getting smoke in my eyes. Melissa continued her story, about how the people who had taken her in offered her a part time job to work as a cashier in their store. She worked evenings and weekends until she graduated high school; at which point she got a small apartment south of town. She still worked at their shop, but now pretty much ran the place, which the owners were ecstatic about, because it finally gave them the opportunity to do some traveling. As I listened, I became more and more in awe of Melissa. Let's use me as an example to compare and contrast. I'm of average height for a guy, with an average build. Melissa is slightly above average height for a girl, with a fit and toned body. My face isn't particularly handsome. Again, very average. She has the heart-shaped face of an angel. I live at home with my parents. I don't pay rent. I have an okay job, but what money I make, I tend to spend frivolously. She has her own apartment, a good job, and is saving her own money to go to college next year. I couldn't do anything but watch her as she talked. I noticed tiny details that I never even thought to look for on anyone else; How her neck moved when she talked, how she flipped her head to get her hair out of her face, how every time our eyes met, her smile would get just a little bit wider. I felt utterly unworthy to be in the presence of such a glorious creature. As the night went on, people went off to their beds in their campers and tents, or one of the four beds in the cabin and its three season porch. Eventually it was just me and Melissa. She came over and sat in the old metal glider bench seat, right next to me, resting her head on my shoulder and gazing into the glowing remnants of the fire. "I've missed coming here." She said quietly. "It's so peaceful." "I missed you." I replied. She looked up at me and smiled. "I've missed you too." For a long time we sat there in silence just staring at the red and orange coals. Eventually they were dying away, and we began to see our breath in the increasingly chilly air. Melissa yawned. Even the way she did that, was beautiful to me. "I think it's time for bed." I whispered to her. She nodded in agreement, and I walked with her to where our tents were. She gave me a tired hug, said goodnight, and went into her tent. I entered my own tent, stripped down to my underwear, (I always sleep in just my boxer briefs,) and crawled into my sleeping bag. It was one of those big flannel old-school ones, not one of those small mummy bags. It had enough room inside for me to really sprawl out, and was plenty warm enough for camping in just about any kind of weather. I'm pretty sure I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. I awoke to a rustling in the leaves outside my tent. It was too heavy to be from raccoons. My first thought was that it was a black bear, as it wasn't unusual for a black bear to wonder through the cabin yard. But when I heard the zipper to the tent flap, I was reassured. I was confused though, as to who would be coming into my tent in the middle of the night. The flap opened, and I saw a silhouette, blond hair glowing silver in the moonlight. My heart instantly started racing. Was I dreaming? Melissa was sneaking into my tent! With the moonlight coming through the open tent flap, she could see that I was awake. "I'm c-cold." She whispered. Without thinking, I opened up my sleeping bag. "Come on." I whispered. She crawled into the tent, zipping up the flap behind her, then scrambled into my sleeping bag with me, still fully dressed. She was freezing. I pulled her in tight to me, spooning her from behind, and wrapping one arm under her neck, the other one over her, and wrapping around her waist. I even had one leg over her thigh. I explained it was to transfer body heat as quickly as I could. Her shivering eventually subsided. As she drifted off to sleep, she said in a barely audible whisper. "I hate the cold." While her breathing reduced to long, slow, deep breaths; I laid there thinking about just how much I loved this moment with Melissa. I've had a few girlfriends, but none of them were very serious. Even though I thought I loved them, I now knew that I had no idea of what love was. Until this moment. As I watched Melissa sleep, I realized that I loved her, truly and deeply. I nestled my face against the back of her neck, breathing in the herbal smell of her. I fell back asleep with joy in my heart. When I awoke again, it was just getting to be light out, and the first birds were beginning to sing. I looked at Melissa, still wrapped in my arms, and sleeping with an expression of serene contentment. It was at this time that my body caught on to the fact that it was pressed up against a very beautiful female, and I started to get worried that the rock hard penis pressing into Melissa's lower back would wake her up. I don't know if it was because of that, but she did wake up before too long. She shifted and stretched, before slightly rotating her back so she was nestling back against me. "What happened last night?" I asked with my arm on my hip. "Don't you have a sleeping bag?" "I do, I got it at Goodwill, so it was cheap, but it's not very good." "Well, I have a blanket you can use, and I'm pretty sure there's extra bedding in the cabin." She sighed contentedly and pulled my arm back around her waist. "Or; I could sleep here again tonight?" "Or you could sleep here tonight." I replied. After a little while she said. "You're warm." And hard, I thought. There was no way she didn't know. I yearned to kiss her. I yearned to grab her hips and grind my cock against her. I wanted to explore her whole body with my hands. I wanted her to put her hands on me. But I was terrified of doing anything, even suggesting anything that she didn't want. I was torn, because I was pretty sure that she did want something. The looks she gave me the previous day, the little smiles, and now snuggling up against me and my hard cock, all screamed in my head to do something, anything! I was just about to slide my hand down to her hip when she announced. "I have to pee." As she was leaving my tent, she turned back and gave me a small kiss on the cheek, a quick smile, then was gone. It took a while for my hard-on to subside, but once it did, I got dressed and went outside. Chapter Three. With a slight detour through the trees, (being a guy has some advantages, the whole forest is my urinal.) I joined the family in the cabin yard. One of my uncles was making eggs and bacon on a grill top griddle, and everyone else was in a different state of waking up. My mom asked Melissa and me, if we were warm enough in our tents last night, and informed us that there were extra blankets. I said that I was fine. Melissa cheerily replied that she was toasty warm, and I had to look away to avoid being seen smiling like an idiot. Even though nothing happened, it still wouldn't look good for the whole family to know that I was spooning my cousin all night. After breakfast, it seemed like everyone but Melissa and I, had plans to do things during the day. Some were going fishing, some were going into Pine River, Breezy Point, and Nisswa, to shop the antique stores and other shops. Melissa looked at me with that smile that somehow was more than just an innocent smile. "So, what do you want to do today?" She asked me. "We could go for a hike. Find some of the trails we used to know?" Her face lit up. "Yes! Let's go find Pine Grove Cathedral! We could bring lunch and make a picnic out of it, too!" "So, what do you want to eat for lunch?" "I don't know, what do you want to eat for lunch?" She said mockingly, then laughed. "Oh, no, I don't play that game. I know what I like to eat, so I'll get the lunch together." She hopped up from the camp chair she was sitting in, and skipped to the cabin. Like, actually skipped. It was adorable. Though, how her ass moved in her jeans as she went, was an even better sight. I stuffed an old quilt into a backpack, then after a moment's thought, crammed in two hoodies. It might get cold earlier tonight, I was not going to let Melissa be cold if there was anything I could do about it. Soon we were walking side by side along the dirt road that lead past the cabin. From there we cut along an ATV trail to one of the State forestry roads, heading deep into the woods where there weren't any other cabins. We chatted as we walked, about music and school, and a host of other mundane things. It really didn't matter to me what we talked about. At some point we started holding hands, and it seemed like the most wonderful, natural thing ever. I began to notice that, unlike literally every other conversation I had ever had, with anyone my age, Melissa was being absolutely honest and forthright. Like an open book, she wasn't hiding anything, so I made a conscious decision to do the same for her. When the conversation came to the topic of previous relationships, I told her about some embarrassing things that happened to me when I was with my first girlfriend. Things that I had sworn to myself to never speak of again. She laughed, but with me, not at me, and countered with an even more embarrassing story from her past. It was surreal. We shared what our thoughts and feelings were, when we had been in particularly awkward situations. We told each other our fears and insecurities. It felt so good to lay my most personal self out before her, and be accepted as who I am. And to have her do the same, well, it was by far the most amazing experience of my life, so far. We had wondered down miles of ever smaller dirt roads, until the two dirt tracks on a grassy path ended in a clearing, marking the farthest someone could go in a car. There were a couple of footpaths that led away from here, and I had to search a bit through the overgrown brush to find the one I wanted. At one time the path was a logging road, but all traces of that were long gone. Back in the twenties, or even before, this whole area had been clear cut. Most of the existing forest had grown up naturally from that, but there were some places that had been replanted, then forgotten about. The path led us up a hillside, thick with huge Oaks, and Elms, and Maples, leaves ablaze in oranges, reds, and yellows, in dazzling and vivid variety. When we neared the top of the hill, we looked at each other and smiled. The place up ahead was our favorite place in all of the this forest. We weren't ever officially allowed to go this far on our own, which had made it all the more special. Cresting the hill, the forest changed. Gone were the leafy hardwoods, in their place were endless evenly spaced rows of towering Red Pines. For as far as we could see in every direction, arrow-straight trunks rose to the sky. Far above, their branches intertwined, lush needles blocking any but the barest glimpse of the sky. Even though we were grown up, this place still had that awe-inspiring sense of hugeness. Our talking stopped as we were struck with a sense of reverence for this magical place. In silence, we walked down the row for a while, then cut across the rows towards a patch of sunlight in the distance. It was a clear space where a storm, long before our time, had blown down some trees, which had then been scavenged for firewood. I was pleased to see that it wasn't overgrown with trees, but had remained a perfect little grassy meadow, nestled inside a living cathedral. We walked out into the middle, and looked around. Melissa spoke softly. "Nothing from my childhood is ever as good as I remember it, but this.." She trailed off. "Is better." I added, watching her closely. "So much better." She agreed, turning in a circle to take it all in. She stopped, facing me. "Are you hungry?" I asked. She gave me that funny little smile, and when her blue eyes met my green ones, it finally clicked. The whole time since our reunion, every time she looked at me, the same emotion, the same desire, was there to see in her eyes, clear as day. When she responded with "I'm starving," I knew she didn't just mean that she was hungry for the sandwiches she had in her backpack. But, then again, we had just walked almost ten miles through the woods. So, when she started digging out the aforementioned sandwiches, I wasn't completely disappointed. Chapter Four. I spread out the old quilt I had packed, and we sat cross legged facing each other, close enough for our knees to be touching. We talked as we ate, and laughed at the occasional burp, or dribble of jelly from our p b and j sandwiches, that were gone in short order. We had talked about some pretty personal things today, but what she asked next, kinda caught me off guard. "How often do guys jerk off?" Without trepidation I replied. "I jerk off at least once a day, usually before bed. I think I'm pretty normal as guys go, so... yeah." "So, do you just, Could you do it more if you wanted to?" She asked, looking genuinely curious. "Yeah, I guess. There's usually tons of times during the day that I could do it if I had the time and the privacy." "Could you do it any time you want, like, do you need to get in the mood?" I laughed. "Guys don't need much to get in the mood. Like really, it doesn't take much at all to get me hard, and then I'm ready to go, if I wanted to. It's actually pretty annoying. What about you, girls I mean?" "Oh, I'm horny All the time. For the longest time, I thought I was some kind of sexual pervert, until one of my girlfriends said she was the same way." Subconsciously conjuring a few mental images, and out of my own curiosity, I asked. "How often do you?" "Every morning. Every night. Usually once during the day." She stated matter-of-factually. "Wow." I said, then after a slightly awkward pause. "Are you right now?" "All. The. Time." She said, staring into my eyes. "Especially right now." "Me too" I said softly. She glanced quickly down to the bulge in my pants, then returned her eyes to mine. "I noticed." Her voice was almost a whisper. She leaned in a little closer to me. "Have you, since you got here yesterday?" "I did on the way up, to avoid any, you know, embarrassment that might pop up, but not since. You?" She shook her head in the negative, and moved closer. Her face was right in front of mine. I studied the intricate detail of her irises, and by the way they moved, I could tell she was studying mine. Our lips were so close to touching, I could feel the heat of her quick and shallow breath on my face. I summoned the courage to make the actual first move. She made a tiny inaudible gasp as my hand brushed the underside of her jawline, and slid along her neck under her ear. I let my fingers sift their way into her silky hair, and gently cupped the back of her head. As I pulled her towards me, her lips parted to meet mine. My tongue found hers, and we both made a humming moan of pleasure, as we began kissing. Slowly at first, tentative and gentle, but soon becoming more urgent and intense. We were like two starving people, set before a lavish buffet. After the first few bites, the body remembers what it needs most, and ravenous hunger takes control. After what seemed like forever, and no time at all, we parted, breathing heavy and licking saliva off of slightly numb lips. The look in her eyes, was subtly different now. The need was still there, without a doubt, but now I could see so much more. A tiny change in the way she was looking at me, or perhaps just a change of how I was seeing her, and it was as if her eyes were screaming "I love you!" I hoped she could see my love for her, in my eyes. She moved back in quickly, and our kissing resumed. This time it remained slow and passionate, and was all the sweeter for it. Our hands began roving over each other's body, from neck to back, to hips, to chest, and every curve and line between. I cupped her firm tits and gave them slight squeeze, making her moan into my mouth. She caressed my cheeks with her palms, then slowly trailed her hands down, down, down, until she found my belt. She fumbled around a little, trying to get it unbuckled, so I reached down and helped. That done, she wasted no time in undoing the top button of my button fly jeans. With the first one free, she pulled to the sides, and the rest popped open in a string. We had stopped kissing, as what was going on required a little bit more concentration than we would have been able to give. I shifted a little to make it easier for her to tug on my underwear, and send a hand down inside. I gasped as she closed her hand around my Very erect cock, and pulled it up into the open. Realizing I was behind in the undoing-of-pants race, I went for her waist, only to find her jeans already open. Sneaky girl. She must have done her own before mine. I laid beside her, the two of us on our sides, facing each other. I slid a hand inside her pale blue panties, and was surprised to find that she had shaved her pubic hair. Not that it's anything strange or unusual, I just wasn't expecting it. I liked it. I went farther down, and when my fingers slid down along her labia, she shuddered. Breathing hard now, she pressed her cheek against mine, then started sliding her hand up and down my shaft. She was doing it very differently than I do it, naturally; and I had been a little anxious that she wouldn't know how to do it right. Well, she didn't. But that didn't matter, because it still felt amazing. I slid my middle finger into the wet hotness between her pussy lips, moving it slowly through and back. I varied the motion a little bit, here and there, being mindful of how her body responded. When I would do something, and she would gasp in pleasure, I did more of that. Remembering something I read in a magazine, yes I read the articles too, I moved my hand a little farther down and found the opening to her hole with my middle finger. I slowly pushed it inside of her. She moaned loudly, and rested her head on my shoulder. I moved my free hand to the back of her head, holding her against me. She had stopped stroking me, but I didn't care. She laid flat on her back and surrendered to my overture. I wanted to make her cum. I needed, to make her cum. I began moving my finger in and out of her, massaging the inside of her, with a "come here" motion, just like the article said to do. She was moaning with every breath now, and she started rocking her hips in time with my finger. Her moans got louder and louder, every breath quicker than the last. I moved my finger a little quicker, with a little more pressure. Finally, she took one last deep breath and held it in. Her whole body was quivering, and I could feel her pussy spasm tightly around my finger. She let out her breath as a long sigh. She raised her head and rolled to look at me with complete satisfaction. Cupping my face with her hand, she kissed me. Remembering that she had neglected my needs, she pulled back a little and started to say; "I'm sorry", but I stopped her with a finger to her lips. I kissed her, and as I did, I felt both of her hands wrap around my cock. She must have read an article or two, herself, because what she did, felt wonderful. She sat up and rolled me onto my back. She moved her hands in unison, up and down, gripping firmly, but not too hard. She added a slight twist to the hand that went over the head of my cock, and it was my turn to start moaning. She laid down by me, her head on my shoulder as I took her into my embrace. She looked down to watch what she was doing to me, and I kissed her forehead, before beginning to pant into her hair She kept stroking me, and I could feel my own orgasm build. This wasn't a quick jerk and spurt, like I'm usually satisfied with. No, this was different. This orgasm was building like an avalanche, powerful and unstoppable. I was distinctly aware that I was ever closer to climax, I could tell that she was excited to have this opportunity. Release was immanent, and I managed to gasp "I'm going to cum". The avalanche roared through me, and I shuddered as I felt spurt after spurt of cum shoot through my cock. My geyser shot up and slightly off to my side, where in landed somewhere in the patchwork quilt. Melissa sat up and witnessed the 3 following ‘aftershocks'.  My hand was back in her panties, finger again inside her, so I went back to work. I felt her body respond to my renewed attentions, quickly re-attaining that urgent build to climax. She moved back down to my embrace, and I used my free hand to keep fingering her engorged twat. She was shaking soon, and pressed her palm over my hand, to keep it pressed deep and hard inside her cunt; having cum again from my ministrations. Neither of us moved a muscle for at least a minute, until we had both caught our breath. She looked up at me, and we stared into each other's eyes. No words were necessary. The bond between us was undeniable, unbreakable. Hearts, minds and souls, as one. As perfect as the moment was, I'll admit lying like I was for so long, on a lumpy patch of the meadow, was getting uncomfortable. She made a tiny disappointed sound when I removed my hand from her pants. We both looked down. She had caught much my jizz in her hand, and my hand was soaking wet with her juices. We both started laughing. Then, like it was the most ordinary thing to do, she raised her hand to her mouth and slurped up the cum, licking her palm clean. I, in turn, licked my own hand clean. "I like how you taste." She said softly. "You taste wonderful." I replied. And she did. It wasn't like anything I'd ever tasted before, almost; sweet. Most of all, it was the taste of her, which by that fact alone, made it great. We got out of our current positions, and I laid down on my back, in a better, softer spot on the blanket. She gently laid her body down on mine. Her chest was on my belly and her thighs straddled my legs. I intertwined the fingers of one hand with one of hers, and rested my other on her hip. I must have fallen asleep, because the next thing I knew, the sunbeams were gone from our magical little clearing. I checked my watch and discovered that I had been asleep for at least an hour and a half. It was nearly three in the afternoon. Melissa was awake, and watching my every move. She gave me a brief kiss. "You're adorable when you're sleeping." "You didn't sleep?" She shook her head. "Watching you was way better than sleep." Even after all we had shared, I found myself blushing. She giggled. "You're adorable when you're awake too." Her giggle was contagious, I couldn't help but join her. I kissed her, and said. "We should really get going." She nodded in agreement, and her smile faded ever so slightly, which nearly broke my heart. Chapter Five. On the hike back to the cabin, there was significantly less talking. For the most part, we were both perfectly content to hold hands and enjoy the colorful autumn scenery. Every once in a while, one of us would ask something like "Favorite color?", and we would both give our answer. Her favorite color is blue, mine is red. While there were some differences in the things we liked, we found that we had much more in common, just like how we were years ago. For example, we both loved cheesy science-fiction movies, and thought that the soundtrack to "Conan The Barbarian" was just about the best soundtrack to a movie; ever. Our favorite food was pepperoni pizza, and our favorite fast food was Taco Bell. I could go on and on, but suffice to say, I had more in common with Melissa than I did with any of my guy friends. It was nearly dark, and we were about a half mile from the cabin, and just passing by a long abandoned old shack, when I had an idea. I stopped walking. A few steps up the road she stopped and faced me, confused. I stepped forward, grabbed her hand, and led her around to the back of the shack. Once safely out of sight from the road, I pulled her close and kissed her passionately. She melted into my arms. When we broke the kiss to catch our breath, I whispered. "Turn around, and lean back into me." Which she did without question. I brushed her hair aside, and started kissing her neck, soliciting a sigh of pleasure. While I did that, I cupped her tits, squeezing them gently. I could feel her nipples through her clothes, and I gave them the gentlest of pinches, which she seemed to really like. My hands moved down her flat belly, and I managed to get her pants undone very quickly. I trailed my fingertips along the lines between her hips and her groin, and I could feel her push her hips forward, desperate for my hand to reach its destination. My fingers teased her between her bald pussy lips in the ways that had got the best reaction earlier, and I was not disappointed. With great concentration, I used two of my fingers to spread her lips apart slightly, then slowly sank my middle finger into her, as deeply as I could. I started doing the thing that had made her cum twice already, today. She groaned in ecstasy. As her pleasure build towards release, I pushed a second finger inside of her cunt. Her knees went weak, and I found that between the arm around her chest holding her to me, and the hand with two fingers deep inside her, I was holding up most of her weight. In her labored breathing, she quietly gasped the word "yes." I moved my fingers in the same "come here" motion I did with just the one, being ultra-attentive to her reactions. Tiny variations in my movements yielded big results, and she came quickly, body tensing and quivering all over. As she fought to get her ragged breathing under control, she managed to whisper. "Oh my god you are good at this!" I whispered back. "I'm glad." I was glad, and damn if I wasn't proud of myself. I was not only able to make her cum, but apparently I'm able to make her do it in spectacular fashion. I made a quiet vow to myself, that I would study even the tiniest of ways her body reacted, so every time we were together like this, it would be better for her. When she could stand on her own, she turned and wrapped her arms around me in a hug, resting her head on my shoulder. She held me tightly, and didn't move. I could tell that something was different, something was; wrong? Instantly worried that I had done something to upset her, I asked as gently as I could. "What is it?" She pulled her face up and looked at me. There were tears in her eyes. He voice was sorrowful. "I don't deserve you." I wanted to say something like "Of course you do." but she cut me off before I could respond. "No, I don't deserve you. You're just so kind, and wonderful, and amazing, and the way you look at me makes my heart melt." Tears rolled down her perfect cheeks, and her voice became anguished. "And I Can't have you. No one would ever accept this." She did have a point. A point I had swept into a corner of my mind, and hidden under a rug. We were second cousins. Technically, it's perfectly legal for us to be together, and as societal taboos went, it was actually pretty low on the list. But our friends and family would absolutely, one hundred percent, not be okay with it. I didn't know what to say, so I stayed quiet. "I ran away from my family. Some of them are just shitty people, and I couldn't care less what they thought about me." She was almost sobbing now. "But I love your family. You mom is just the best, and your brothers and sisters, everybody... I couldn't live with what they would think of me, and I couldn't live with what they would think about you." The look of pleading in her eyes made my heart break, and I began to cry. I didn't have an answer. We had found something so special, so perfect. We got just a taste of what we could be together. To face the fact that this wonderful thing had to end, that it couldn't blossom into what we both dreamed it could be, was devastating. I rubbed her back as she cried into my shoulder. "Growing up, every time my parents would bring me up here, I would ask, is Melissa going to be there? When they'd say no, I was always so disappointed. Seeing you up here; was something that I always looked forward to." Her crying began to slow as she listened to me talk. "All of my best memories were made here, with you. When it was time to go home, I was always sad, but I had to go home. I had school and friends, a whole different life. When I'd ask my parents if you were going to be here, and they said yes, that was always the happiest I'd been since we last said goodbye." She looked at me, the crying having nearly stopped. "So, we live two lives? I don't know if we can do that." "If it's the choice between that, and nothing at all..." She nodded her head slowly. "People will find out, eventually." "We'll just have to be careful." I cupped her face in my hands. "Living without you now, is not an option." It really wasn't an option. Not after the last, what, thirty hours? Did I really fall so madly in love with this person in only a day and a half? No, of course not. This was a love that had taken a lifetime to build. We reunited after three years apart, and were now mature enough to realize what could be, and we reached for it. Now that we had both grasped it, neither of us could ever let go. We stayed behind the shack for a while, to regain our composure. It was almost fully dark out now, and starting to get chilly, so I gave Melissa one of the hoodies I had packed. She put it on gratefully, and it warmed my heart to see her smile back on her face. As we turned down the cabin's driveway, she leaned over to me and said. "Our situation is very Shakespearean. Star crossed lovers and all that." I chuckled. "Just hopefully without, you know, the poison and the dagger." To be continued in part 2. Based on a post by NewMountain80, in 6 parts, for Literotica.

Today is Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. The Brainerd Dispatch Minute is a product of Forum Communications Co. and is brought to you by reporters at the Brainerd Dispatch. Find more news throughout the day at BrainerdDispatch.com.

Hello Listen Localers! On today's show the Listen Local Crew talks about the Vikings VERY bad game against the Falcons and now their QB JJ McCarthy being out for a month with an ankle injury.The guys dive into that, so if you don't want to hear their disappointment in the Vikings, skip ahead to about the 11 minute mark! Then... Our favorite Garbologist, and Sponsor of the show, Tyler Gardner calls in to "Talk Trash" and correct Isaiah, Colton and Jacob on some of the 'facts' they got incorrect on past shows. After Tyler signs off, the LL crew chats about upcoming events, including that BUSY September 20th Day, headlined by Nisswa's Fall Fest and Smokin' Hot BBQ Challenge AND the Listen Local LIVE SHOW at Grand Casino Hinckley at around 4:30 over at the Amphitheater before the Lamb of God concert! All of that and more on this episode of the Listen Local Podcast. And as always... HUGE Thanks to our sponsors Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation, Hanneken Insurance, Hills Detailing Center, Craguns Legacy Courses, Pequot Lakes EDC, Refined Lending w/ John Kinkaede, Party Time Rental and our PRESENTING SPONSOR Lakes Area CPAs! Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

Guests are Nisswa Lions Members Dale Christensen and Joe LaudenbachSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nate Blasing of The Nisswa Guide League is back to talk all things Brainerd Lakes. He's had a great season so we recap that, preview the fall, discuss the overall health of BLA fishing AND talk Walleye Alliance too. Oh, and there's a Fast Five.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hellllo Listen Local Fam! On this LIVE show from Nisswa the Listen Local crew - along with Mike Schmidt - recap all of the craziness of summer in the BLA. So many events (soooo much music), so much fun, and we reminisce on it all. Plus ANOTHER Grand Casino Concert GIVEAWAY! ANNNNND, Colton, Jacob and Isaiah talk about plans for Live shows out at the PGA of Americas CRMC Championship at the Legacy Courses next week. And as always... HUGE Thanks to our sponsors Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation, Hanneken Insurance, Hills Detailing Center, Craguns Legacy Courses, Pequot Lakes EDC, Refined Lending w/ John Kinkaede, Party Time Rental and our PRESENTING SPONSOR Lakes Area CPAs! Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

Show Date: 8/11/25Dan and Andy welcome special guest Josh Hendrickx to the show. Josh manages the New York Mills Millers town ball team in Class C. The Millers were eliminated by the Urbank/Parkers Prairie Bombers in Region 11C. Urbank will move on to the state tourney. Josh talks about the the Region 11C tourney and a host of Northern teams (Fergus Falls, Sauk Centre, Ada, Nisswa, Bluffton, Morehead).Josh comments on the low attendance for the Region 11C Tourney and the interesting points system that the DRS used this season to crown the Veseli Warriors the DRS Champions.Sports and Songs Podcast Links:https://www.facebook.com/sportsandsongs1https://twitter.com/SportsandSongs1https://www.instagram.com/sportsandsongs/https://www.sportsandsongspodcast.com/

Happy 4th Week Listen Local Listeners! This week we were LIVE from the Nisswa Gazebo. If you missed it, and want to watch, find it on our Listen Local Facebook Page! On today's show:·Mike Schmidt joins to recap Lakes Jam ·Kalie Jay from the Nisswa Chamber joins to talk all things 4th (and 3rd) of July.- Tips and schedule for the 3rd in Nisswa (Parade, Fireworks, Turtle Races and more) ·HUGE news regarding our friends and Grand Casino and naming rights of one of the largest Arenas in the state. PLUS... still time to get last second tickets to KANE BROWN at Grand Casino Hinckley on Friday! ·Schedule of other Brainerd Lakes Area towns 4th of July week festivities. And as always... HUGE Thanks to our sponsors Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation, Hanneken Insurance, Hills Detailing Center, Craguns Legacy Courses, Pequot Lakes EDC, Refined Lending w/ John Kinkaede, Party Time Rental and our PRESENTING SPONSOR Lakes Area CPAs! Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

Vance Boelter has been charged in federal court with the targeted murder of state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shooting of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Joe Thompson was among a contingent of law enforcement officials who discussed the shootings Monday in a news conference. Thompson alleged Boelter researched his victims and surveilled their homes before the shootings.Boelter allegedly visited the homes of two other lawmakers the morning of the shootings. Brooklyn Park police Chief Mark Bruley said if it hadn't been for the actions of an off-duty police sergeant who asked two officers to check on the Hortman home after the Hoffman shooting, it could have been a lot worse.Some of the federal charges that Boelter faces are punishable by life in prison or the death penalty, if he's convicted.Republican Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth says Minnesota feels a loss of safety following the assassination of Hortman. Memorial tributes to her and her husband have sprung up inside and outside the Minnesota Capitol.Severe storms — including reported tornadoes — caused damage and knocked out power to hundreds of homes and businesses Monday night. There were tornado sightings near Gull Lake and Nisswa, and possible tornadoes near Staples, Bertha, Deer Creek and Ottertail Lake.And Minnesota chefs and restaurants earned top honors at this year's James Beard Awards, announced Monday night in Chicago. Minneapolis restaurant Bûcheron won best new restaurant, topping nine other establishments across the country.

Today is Wednesday, May 28, 2025. The Brainerd Dispatch Minute is a product of Forum Communications Co. and is brought to you by reporters at the Brainerd Dispatch. Find more news throughout the day at BrainerdDispatch.com.

The Initials Game is on the road this week at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa!

The Initials Game is on the road this week at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The show goes LIVE from Grand View Lodge in Nisswa

The Initials Game is on the road this week at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa!

The show goes LIVE from Grand View Lodge in Nisswa

The Minnesota Legislature has a newcomer. Republican Senator-elect Keri Heintzeman has been elected to represent the Nisswa area. We talk to her about her priorities as she joins the capitol late in the session. As President Donald Trump celebrates his first 100 days, we hear about the economic impacts his policies have had on Minnesotans. Plus, Wednesday marks 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War. We talk to a poet who is working to commemorate the stories of Lao people who came to Minnesota in the aftermath. Paul Huttner shares how many tornadoes touched down in our region from this week's severe weather. And the Walker West Music Academy, a pillar of the Rondo community, is teaching music to all from a new home.

Republicans held onto a state Senate seat after a special election. Keri Heintzeman was elected Tuesday to replace Republican lawmaker Justin Eichorn, who resigned a month ago after criminal charges. Heintzeman won the seat with nearly 60 percent of the vote. She will represent the Nisswa area in the Legislature. Senator-elect Heintzeman joins MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about her priorities.

Today is Tuesday, March 11, 2025.   The Brainerd Dispatch Minute is a product of Forum Communications Co. and is brought to you by reporters at the Brainerd Dispatch. Find more news throughout the day at BrainerdDispatch.com. The Brainerd Dispatch is proud to be a part of the Trust Project. Learn more at thetrustproject.org.

Today is Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. The Brainerd Dispatch Minute is a product of Forum Communications Co. and is brought to you by reporters at the Brainerd Dispatch. Find more news throughout the day at BrainerdDispatch.com.

The former Chair of The Republican Party of Minnesota is back in politics. She wins the mayoral race in Nisswa. She joined Vineeta on The WCCO Morning News.

The former Chair of The Republican Party of Minnesota is back in politics. She wins the mayoral race in Nisswa. She joined Vineeta on The WCCO Morning News.

Hello Listen Local Listeners! This is OFFICIALLY our last episode before the election, and man have some of these local elections started to heat up, specifically... Nisswa Mayor. That Race has gotten not only local and statewide attention, but even national stories! So, while we planned on doing a big breakdown of the Best of Brainerd Lakes contest, and some other local BLA hot topics, we did have a surprise guest stop by towards the end of the show to really give some great insight on some of Nisswa's main discussion points. Councilman - and Nisswa native - Jesse Zahn dives into, and provides the public facts, on points that both Mayor Ryan and Jennifer Carnahan mentioned while they were on their respective Listen Local episodes. From discussion of Nisswa's current debt (plus bonds and levies) to the city's potential big picture projects and even dives into his thoughts about both mayoral candidates. Very, VERY good stuff from Jesse. Thanks to him for taking time to stop by! And as always... Thanks to our sponsors Hanneken Insurance, Lakes Area CPAs, Hills Detailing Center, Posture Pro Chiropractic, Craguns Legacy Courses and of course our presenting sponsor Tyler Gardner with Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation! Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMN WoodsToWaterMN

Hello Listen Local Fam, It is STILL Fall outside, and it is STILL Campaign season, which is once again the focus of today's episode! Nisswa Mayoral Candidate, and owner of Primrose Park Boutique, Jennifer Carnahan stops by to chat about why she decided to run for Nisswa mayor. While Jennifer has a very extensive background in Politics on a National and State-wide level, her focus has now turned to the local level here in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Tune in to hear all about Jennifer, what she feels she can bring the city of Nisswa if elected mayor, and some of the highs and lows of running for political office, even in a smaller town. Thanks again to Jennifer for stopping by! After Jennifer signs off, Isaiah and Jacob talk a lot of football, mainly two teams who haven't lost this season in the Mn Vikings and Pequot Lakes Patriots. Plus, some fun fall events happening in the next couple of weeks in the Lakes Area. Annnnd some local news headlines. And as always... Thanks to our sponsors Hanneken Insurance, Lakes Area CPAs, Hills Detailing Center, Posture Pro Chiropractic, Craguns Legacy Courses and of course our presenting sponsor Tyler Gardner with Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation! Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

Helloooo Listen Local Listeners! Election season is upon us on the National, State and Local levels. While the crew doesn't often discuss politics on the show... Colton, Isaiah and Jacob did catch up with Nisswa Mayor John Ryan on today's episode. Mayor Ryan, who has lived in the Brainerd Lakes Area almost his entire life, on why he felt it was important to run for re-election and dives into why he is the best choice for Nisswa Mayor in this upcoming election. He also dives into what city projects he's been a part of during his tenure, and which he is looking forward to if he gets re-elected. Including one that would be a HUGE change to Ye Old Pickle Factory.Thanks to Mayor Ryan for joining the show, and good luck in this upcoming election! Also on today's show we continue to discuss the upcoming 50 States 50 Dates game show, which will be LIVE at the Canoe and Paddle Pub at Cragun's on Tuesday October 1st! Find out all about that by clicking THIS LINK Annnd, TODAY is the Mighty Oaks Mental Health Resiliency Event with Chad Robichaux at the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts from 6-8pm. Plus, tons of other fall events in the area coming up, including many different locations for Oktoberfest, Haunted Trails and more! And as always... Thanks to our sponsors Hanneken Insurance, Lakes Area CPAs, Hills Detailing Center, Posture Pro Chiropractic, Craguns Legacy Courses and of course our presenting sponsor Tyler Gardner with Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation! Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

We check in with The Nisswa Guide League's Nate Blasing to talk August action in the Brainerd Lakes area. Walleyes, bass and more. Plus, we find out what the Walleye Alliance has been up to lately. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We check in with The Nisswa Guide League's Nate Blasing to talk August action in the Brainerd Lakes area. Walleyes, bass and more. Plus, we find out what the Walleye Alliance has been up to lately. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Woman arrested in Graceland fraud attempt; Trump makes distasteful comments about the Medal of Honor; VP Harris unveils her economic vision; Nancy Mace’s CNN debacle; teammate charged in fatal Gustavus Adolphus crash; Jennifer Carnahan running for mayor of Nisswa; Royce White still not acknowledged by MN GOP; Joe Teirab.

Our guests today included MnDot Project Manager Tom Cruikshank, and Bob Rogers, Lead Transportation Planner with Bolton & Menk, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our guests today included MnDot Project Manager Tom Cruikshank, and Bob Rogers, Lead Transportation Planner with Bolton & Menk, Inc.

Today is Tuesday, July 23, 2024. The Brainerd Dispatch Minute is a product of Forum Communications Co. and is brought to you by reporters at the Brainerd Dispatch. Find more news throughout the day at BrainerdDispatch.com.

Nate Blasing of the Nisswa Guides League checks in with Kev to update Brainerd Lakes action so far this spring. He discusses the surprise spots they're finding fish, talks about anecdotal results of new panfish and northern regs and initiatives, the effects of forward facing sonar in the day to day realm...and tournament realm. Plus, a Fast Five of course. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nate Blasing of the Nisswa Guides League checks in with Kev to update Brainerd Lakes action so far this spring. He discusses the surprise spots they're finding fish, talks about anecdotal results of new panfish and northern regs and initiatives, the effects of forward facing sonar in the day to day realm...and tournament realm. Plus, a Fast Five of course. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today is Tuesday, May 28, 2024. The Brainerd Dispatch Minute is a product of Forum Communications Co. and is brought to you by reporters at the Brainerd Dispatch. Find more news throughout the day at BrainerdDispatch.com.

Today is Friday, May 24, 2024. The Brainerd Dispatch Minute is a product of Forum Communications Co. and is brought to you by reporters at the Brainerd Dispatch. Find more news throughout the day at BrainerdDispatch.com.

Happy Thursday, Listen Local Fam! On this episode, the Listen Local crew chat with Danielle Arnold of Notice Wellness. Danielle tells us all about moving away after school and what led her to coming back home and eventually start Notice Wellness. She also dives into the Yoga community in the BLA, and most importantly... the upcoming Notice Wellness Mindfulness Triathlon on May 11th in Nisswa. So TUNE IN to hear all about our friend Danielle and Notice Wellness. Also on this episode Colton, Isaiah and Jacob talk about "Catrella Devil," finding out that some pizza boxes are NOT recyclable, the name of the new sports bar in Breezy Point, and a TON of other local events and news. And as always... Thanks to our sponsors Hanneken Insurance, Lakes Area CPAs, Hills Detailing Center, Posture Pro Chiropractic and of course our presenting sponsor Tyler Gardner with Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation! Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

Hello Listen Localers! We have a great episode for you today as Isaiah and Jacob head up to A&W in Nisswa - which has opened early - and chat with Owner Emma Krueger! Along with many other topics, the LL crew talks to Emma about her history with A&W and what led her to where she is today. Also, she tells us the importance of family and the community in running a business like this in a small town. Family that includes her Brother in Law, and one of Listen Local's top fans, Jon Bocklund who joined this show as well! PLUS hear about some BIG changes to the look of the Nisswa A&W as well as some new menu items. All of that and more! Thanks so much to Emma and Jon for joining the show! Also on this show... some Masters talk, local happenings and events, and a sad sad update on Jacob's 4Runner. And as always... Thanks to our sponsors Hanneken Insurance, Lakes Area CPAs, Hills Detailing Center, Posture Pro Chiropractic and of course our presenting sponsor Tyler Gardner with Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation! Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

Join Gregg Thomas as he speaks with David Holmes of MN.  They talk river muskies, lures and the up coming musky road rules seminar in Nisswa.   www.muskyroadrules.com www.bncustoms.com www.llungenlures.com www.muskyhunter.com

Happy Nisswa City of Lights day! We hope all of our listeners had a fun, safe Thanksgiving, and now prepping for the Nisswa City of Lights! On this episode, the LL crew caught up with Nisswa Chamber Director Pam Dorian to talk about everything you need to know about Friday's Nisswa City of Lights. She tells us about what's new, what she's looking for to the most, and yes... everything you need to know about the Fireworks! After Pam heads out to get back to Nisswa - to hang more lights probably - the guys recap last weekend's Grand Brewfest. Hear about their time out there and and on-site interview with Lupulin co-founder Jeff Zierdt. Thanks to him for taking time during the event. Also on this show Jacob and Isaiah discuss the Vikings, other local events to plan for this weekend, some Thanksgiving traditions and more! Thanks to all of you, our amazing listeners, and of course thank you so much to our sponsors Hanneken Insurance, Lakes Area CPAs, Outlet Recreation Crosslake, Posture Pro Chiropractic and our presenting sponsor Tyler Gardner with Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation! Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

Hello everybody!! Hope you are all doing well! It FINALLY feels like fall-weather is here. Man, do we have an episode for you all! Not only does our pal and sponsor Dr. Andy Vantreese fill-in for Colton, but with Fire Prevention Week coming up the Listen Local crew felt it was the perfect time to bring on Pequot Fire Chief Mike Schwankl and Nisswa Fire Chief Shawn Bailey.Both talk about everything from events coming up - including open houses at the Nisswa Fire Department next Tuesday Oct. 10th and Pequot Fire Department on Wednesday the 11th - to fire prevention, the importance of checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly, and how both cities are looking to hire firefighters. On that note of Nisswa and Pequot needing firefighters, both Chiefs make their pitch to Jacob on why he should join their department. While one of them offers the cover of the firefighters calendar and a brand new ladder truck, the other offers being right next door to his favorite spots Main Street Ale House and Ye olde Pickle Factory. So, as you can imagine, Jacob is eating up this recruitment process... In all seriousness though, if you have ever thought of joining a fire department, stop by or reach out to your local fire chief. Like Pequot and Nisswa, many are looking to hire more firefighters. Thank you so much to Chiefs Bailey and Schwankl, and we highly encourage our Listen Local listeners to stop by the open houses next week! Thanks to all of you, our amazing listeners, and of course thank you so much to our sponsors Hanneken Insurance, Lakes Area CPAs, Outlet Recreation Crosslake, Posture Pro Chiropractic and our presenting sponsor Tyler Gardner with Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation! Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

Well... we've officially hit the fall weather. AND WE'RE HERE FOR IT! On that note, no better time for the Nisswa Fall Festival and Smokin' Hot BBQ Challenge. Just like many of Nisswa's events this one is always a hit. And to talk about it, we have Kalie Jay from the Nisswa Chamber stop by for everything we need to know about Saturday's event. From Medallion Hunts to Bags Tournaments to Live Music and of course the BBQ Ribs! All of that any more. Plus Colton, Isaiah and Jacob chat about other current events and BLA happenings. Hope you enjoy the episode AND GET OUT TO NISSWA ON SATURDAY! Thanks to all of you, our amazing listeners, and of course thank you so much to our sponsors Hanneken Insurance, Lakes Area CPAs, Outlet Recreation Crosslake, Posture Pro Chiropractic and our presenting sponsor Tyler Gardner with Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation! Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

March of the Governors, Governor #28 C. Elmer Anderson (Series Podcast #31) Minnesota's twenty-eighth governor, C. Elmer Anderson (1912-1998), mostly aspired to be lieutenant governor, and at that he succeeded—elected six times in seven tries. He rose to governor in September 1951 with the resignation of Luther Youngdahl. Anderson won the governorship on his own in 1952, riding the ample coattails of Dwight Eisenhower. In this role, he tried to carry out Youngdahl's progressive policies, but the stars and the Minnesota senate were against him. He had beaten DFL candidate Orville Freeman handily in 1952; Freeman whipped him in their 1954 rematch, where Anderson's lifelong motto, "silence is golden," helped bring him down. He later served four years as mayor of Nisswa and ten years as mayor of his hometown, Brainerd. 

Our guests today were Tom Cruikshank, Principal Planner, MNDOT, and Robin Caufman, Senior Planner, Bolton & Menk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our guests today were Tom Cruikshank, Principal Planner, MNDOT, and Robin Caufman, Senior Planner, Bolton & Menk.

Hello Listeners!! Hope you all had a great week, and man do we have a weekend full of live music in the BLA. One of those spots you'll have to stop by is Roundhouse Brewery for their "Nashville in Nisswa" event. On this episode Isaiah, Colton and Jacob stop out there to chat with Roundhouse President Mark Lelwica to discuss not only that show - and where to get tickets - but also how their summer has been, some of their new beers, and all of the activities you can do with your friends and family while at the brewery! Also, of course the crew rips on Jacob for his lack of beer knowledge. Thanks so much to Mark for taking time to be on the show, and go see him and the Roundhouse crew this weekend. Another spot you have to visit while making the rounds for Saturday's Live Music in the BLA, is Ernies for their Reggae Party with The International Reggae All-Stars and Jamaican Jerk Cookout. Annnnnnnd, the guys give an update on their BLA Burger Battle, thoughts on the new Netflix show "Quarterback" which features Vikings QB Kirk Cousins, and so much more! Last but certainly not least, thank you to all of our amazing listeners for making us the "Most Entertaining Podcast in the BLA!"And of course thank you so much to our sponsors Hanneken Insurance, Lakes Area CPAs, Outlet Recreation Crosslake, Posture Pro Chiropractic and our presenting sponsor Tyler Gardner with Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation! Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

Hello Listen Local Fam! Hope you had a great 4th of July week, and do we have a super fun one for you today! The guys head over to Emily Kaye Bridal to chat with owner Emily Beutz. Among many other topics she tells us about how the idea of the Bridal shop came about, why she felt it was the right time to open this business, and how over the years Brainerd has become THE SPOT for weddings. Also, not only did Emily open the Bridal shop, but she just opened Nisswa Tux right next door. Managing that store will be Hanky Hazleton, who you may know from Lakeland News in Brainerd. Hanky stops by the show to tell us how this Michigan guy ended up in the BLA and what led him to Nisswa Tux. Colton and Isaiah also mention how he is one of Jacob's competition in the "Local Celebrity" category in the Brainerd Dispatch's "Best of Brainerd Lakes" contest. Once again, wonderful conversation in this episode and thanks again to Hanky and Emily for taking time to join the show! Last but certainly not least, thank you to all of our amazing listeners for making us the "Most Entertaining Podcast in the BLA!"And of course thank you so much to our sponsors Hanneken Insurance, Lakes Area CPAs, Outlet Recreation Crosslake, Posture Pro Chiropractic and our presenting sponsor Tyler Gardner with Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation!

AMAZING bar marketing - THE PICKLE in Nisswa gets the spotlight today - what a cool vibe!!!

This episode is about mindset. The mindset of success and develop the habits to make it happen. Brenda Tushaus sits down with Brent Anderson, a top-performing RE/MAX Results real estate agent based in Nisswa, MN. Brent shares his journey from being a sous chef to one of his region's top real estate agents. He discusses his daily routine, which includes a high-intensity workout and focusing on personal development through reading and journaling. Brent also shares his approach to real estate, which involves a laser focus on his client's goals and cutting out distractions. He talks about his love for buying, selling, building, and developing properties. Brent also advises new agents and is willing to help others in their real estate journey.    If you want to contact Brent Anderson, contact him at (218) 963-9554. We would love your feedback on this episode and suggestions for our next guest. Please leave your feedback at www.ResultsDrivenFeedback.com.  

Nate Blasing of the Nisswa Guides League is catching fish and so are his clients. It's been a banner month throughout Paul Bunyan Country and the Brainerd Lakes area is NO exception. And that's just ONE of the topics we cover.

Nate Blasing of the Nisswa Guides League is catching fish and so are his clients. It's been a banner month throughout Paul Bunyan Country and the Brainerd Lakes area is NO exception. And that's just ONE of the topics we cover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

{Some audio issues}No Bruce this week, we bring you our sports 6 pack. We get a phone call from the bear (Kevin), in Nisswa and he wasn't happy! We find out that Geffre and Dustin were thinking of two different Zamboni's Thanks to 7th Ave Pizza, Erbs and Gerbs of Bemidji, BettorEdge, Mitch Hill from Grimes Realty and The Java Shack of Bemidji

Today is Wednesday, May 31, 2023.   The Brainerd Dispatch Minute is a product of Forum Communications Co. and is brought to you by reporters at the Brainerd Dispatch. Find more news throughout the day at BrainerdDispatch.com. The Brainerd Dispatch is proud to be a part of the Trust Project. Learn more at thetrustproject.org.

Hi Listen Localers! Hope you all had a great week. On this episode we go remote as the LL crew takes over the Getaway which was the host for this week's Brainerd Chamber Business After Hours. Co-hosting this business was also Lakes Area Heroes, so this whole recording location worked out wonderful for Isaiah. Also this week, Lizzie Aydt of the Brainerd Jaycees joins the show to talk all about this weekend's Run for the Lakes event in Nisswa. Everything from signing up to race to the various types of races, to where people can find the live music, Lizzie has those answers. So make sure to tune in to find out all of that info. Thank you again to Lizzie for joining, and of course the Getaway for letting the guys take over the cabin porch! And of course thank you to our amazing sponsors -Hanneken Insurance, Lakes Area CPAs, Outlet Recreation Crosslake, Posture Pro Chiropractic and of course our presenting sponsor Tyler Gardner with Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation! Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

Happy Friday everyone!Hope you all had a wonderful week. We have a great episode for you! First, we recap the events of the past couple of weeks in the Lakes Area, then we get right to our Guest, Brian Lehman. Over the couple decades in the BLA, Brian has been the Mayor of Nisswa, owned a business consulting agency, worked many years at the Chamber and even was Jacob's summer league baseball coach years ago! Also on this episode we talk about this weekend's events, and of course a BRAND NEW "How Local Are You" presented by Posture Pro Chiropractic! That and much more! Hope you enjoy. Last but not least... we would like to thank ALL of our 2023 sponsors - Hanneken Insurance, Lakes Area CPAs, Outlet Recreation Crosslake, Posture Pro Chiropractic and of course our presenting sponsor Tyler Gardner with Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation! Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

Today is Friday, March 31, 2023.   The Brainerd Dispatch Minute is a product of Forum Communications Co. and is brought to you by reporters at the Brainerd Dispatch. Find more news throughout the day at BrainerdDispatch.com. The Brainerd Dispatch is proud to be a part of the Trust Project. Learn more at thetrustproject.org.

That's right people, there is just soooo much happening in the BLA right now!On this episode we talk more current events and happenings than usual.Topics that include: *St. Paddy's Day *LOTS of Minnesota Vikings News... Including the Adam Thielen's departure *It's Minnesota State High School Tourney time for Hockey, Basketball, Wrestling and more! *Upcoming and new events coming to the BLA in the next few months. Events that include the Brained Jaycees, as well as Notice Wellness in Nisswa! Plus soooo much more! Last but not least... we would like to thank ALL of our 2023 sponsors - Hanneken Insurance, Lakes Area CPAs, Outlet Recreation Crosslake, Posture Pro Chiropractic and of course our presenting sponsor Tyler Gardner with Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation! Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

Ye Olde Pickle Factory & the Nisswa Jubilee That is right people, it FINALLY happened! We have officially recorded a show from The Pickle with the LEGEND Terry Wallin! Plus, not only did we have Terry, but another local celeb Nisswa's Citizen of the Year, Tina Foster! On this episode, we dive into everything Nisswa Jubilee, including this year's schedule and Terry and Tina's top Jubilee memories! Then... we dive into the history of The Pickle, and of course Terry tells some of his most memorable stories from over the years. If nothing else, you'll want to tune in just for that reason! That and soooo much more on this super fun episode. Thanks so much to all of our sponsors - Hanneken Insurance, Lakes Area CPAs, Outlet Recreation Crosslake, and of course our presenting sponsor Tyler Gardner with Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation! Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

Today is Friday, Feb. 17, 2023.   The Brainerd Dispatch Minute is a product of Forum Communications Co. and is brought to you by reporters at the Brainerd Dispatch. Find more news throughout the day at BrainerdDispatch.com. The Brainerd Dispatch is proud to be a part of the Trust Project. Learn more at thetrustproject.org.

Frank Soukup, Director of Marketing for Grand View Lodge in Nisswa gives us an update on the big weekend of Ice Fishing ahead on Gull Lake.

Hello everybody! Thanks for tuning into another episode of the Listen Local Podcast! On this episode we cover everything from this weekend's Cor Powersports Nisswa 100 to Holiday Party Shenanigans to another Lakes Jam update! All of that AND MORE on this week's show. And as always, thank you so much to Tyler Gardner and Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation! If you don't have a red or black garbage can at the end of your driveway you're doing it all wrong. So contact Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation today! Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

Minnesota's move in July to legalize the sale of food and beverages containing small amounts of hemp-derived THC was the state's biggest step toward legalizing cannabis. Months later, the law continues to generate equal amounts of interest and confusion. Under the law, Minnesotans can buy food and beverages that contain up to 5 milligrams of THC per serving, with a limit of 50 milligrams per package. THC is the psychoactive compound that delivers the high associated with marijuana. People, though, remain unsure of what the law allows, or the differences between hemp, THC and marijuana and where they fit in, said Susan Burns, a cannabis attorney in Minnesota. “So you're trying to educate legislators, you're trying to educate a city council, you're trying to educate city attorneys. You're trying to educate mayors, and it's because people don't know what it is. They're a little bit afraid of it,” she told MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Monday. Even with the state law, cities are deciding to do what works best for them by issuing moratoriums. This makes some activities, such as possessing and selling edibles, temporarily prohibited. Burns mentioned one unnamed city that's decided to make breaking the city imposed ordinance a misdemeanor offense. Mounds, Hastings, Nisswa, Shakopee, Marshall, Plymouth are just a few across the state that enacted temporary moratoriums. For now, they don't have to follow the state law for legalizations of THC edibles. They can enact an interim waiting period of usually six months to year and decide if they believe it would aid or harm their communities. Related stories July 19 Gummies coming to Minnesota's medical marijuana program Angela Davis show Ask us anything about Minnesota's new edibles law Minnesota Now Where and how can THC products be sold in Minnesota? Minn. lawmakers voted to legalize THC edibles. Some did it accidentally Clearing up confusion About Minnesota's newest legalized THC edible For business owners, this means conflict. If they continue to sell edibles in a city with a waiting period, they could be breaking the law. Burns said it happens often, and can be expensive to deal with when going against state laws and city ordinances. Even with the confusion, Burns said the law is a step in the right direction and she's hoping the upcoming legislative session cleans up law. Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.  Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.   We attempt to make transcripts for Minnesota Now available the next business day after a broadcast. When ready they will appear here. 

Goooooooood Day Everyone! Wow, do we have a full episode today. So much Lakes Area news, updates and happenings on this episode, including the one and only Pam Dorion stopping by the studio! Pam tells us all about what to expect at the upcoming Nisswa City of Lights festival, how she felt the past year's events have gone, and some potential BIG THINGS coming to town in the next year. Plus... The Brainerd Dispatch's "Best of the BLA" winners have been announced, and man did the LL crew - and Pam - REALLY dive into those selections. Opinions were given, to say the least. Lastly, It's HALLOWEEN weekend everyone!! Listen in to find out where you can for the best costume parties, haunted trails and houses, and other festivities! AND of course, thank you to our wonderful sponsor Tyler Gardner with Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation! If you don't have a red or black garbage can at the end of your driveway you're doing it all wrong. So contact Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation today! Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

Live from a wilderness lake at the Ask A Painter Live Summer Retreat! Nick Slavik and Amy Slavik hosted a live retreat from August 30th to September 2nd in Nisswa, MN. Connected with like-minded people in accountability, inspiration, and introspection; all while you enjoy the outdoors. Watch the episode on PCA Overdrive PCA Overdrive is free for members. Not a member? Try our 30-day, free trial; $5.99/mo after. Download the app on the Apple Store or Google Play. Become a PCA member

Show Date: 9/5/22 Andy discusses NASCAR, College Football, High School Football and College Women's Volleyball. Dan talks Amateur State Baseball Tournament, Class C and Class B finals. Also the MN Twins and NY Mets playoff push was discussed last. Sports and Songs Podcast Links: https://www.facebook.com/sportsandsongs1 https://twitter.com/SportsandSongs1 https://www.instagram.com/sportsandsongs/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sportsandsongs/message

An Akeley man was killed near Nisswa after striking a boat on a trailer; a Florida man was seriously injured in an alcohol-related crash near Waskish; the Beltrami County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting Aug. 26 to review the jail study; and the City of Bemidji has a number of citizen engagement opportunities through city boards, committees and commissions.

Today is Friday, June 10, 2022.   The Brainerd Dispatch Minute is a product of Forum Communications Co. and is brought to you by reporters at the Brainerd Dispatch. Find more news throughout the day at BrainerdDispatch.com. The Brainerd Dispatch is proud to be a part of the Trust Project. Learn more at thetrustproject.org.

Happy Friday everyone!! Hope each and every one of you Listen Localers had a fantastic week, and are ready for the best weekend weather we've had yet in 2022! On this episode the LL Guys (well at least Isaiah and Jacob) get to know more about some local business owners and employees. Also, due to Colton's absence there was a co-hosting seat available, which was wonderfully filled by our friend and Branch Manager of the Baxter Refined Lending, John Kinkeade (who just happens to be Jacob's current lender for his new house). Not only does John find a way to make talking about mortgages and lending entertaining, he's also just a likeable guy and totally fits the bill of being a true Listen Localer! Now to the guests, First up... we had our buddy Justin Olson call into the show again. This time though, Justin wasn't talking about snowmobiling or the Nisswa 100, instead he put his Nisswa Marine hat on and gave us an update on the ice situation we're still seeing on lakes around the Brainerd Lakes Area. So listen in to find out when he thinks the ice will be out. And Yes, we're going to hold Justin accountable if it isn't out by then The next guest we had stop by the office was Emma Krueger, owner of the Nisswa A&W! When you talk about a staple in the BLA, we all know thats exactly what the Nisswa A&W is. Annnnd... true locals know May 1st means much more than May Day, it is also opening day for said A&W. With that being said, GO GET YOUR ROOTBEER FLOATS TODAY! After Emma, we welcomed in Nate Hill from Hill's Mobile Detailing. Not only does Nate already have a great detailing business, he is also a weekly listener to the podcast, which is definitely a plus if you ask us What he's doing with Hills Mobile Detailing is super cool. He will come to you. Whether that's at your house, place of work, or really anywhere, he'll bring his trailer to wherever you are and make sure your vehicle has one of the best it's ever had! This spring has already been super messy, so give Nate a call and have him come make your car look brand new!! Before we end, Isaiah and Jacob chat with John a bit more (mostly about what Jacob can and can't buy before the closing of his house), and discuss what the best part of summer is. While we switched up the format of our show a little bit this time, we plan on having Listen Local do more of these "Business Update" episodes - or what ever we decide to call them - once a month. We'll bring 3-4 local business owners and/or Managers to give us an update on their businesses. As always thanks again to our sponsor Tyler Gardner with Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation. To stay up date, with all things listen local by following our pages: Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

Hola Listen Localers! Welcome back and we hope you had a great week! The sun has been shining, the people have been shopping and all we need now is some open water on the lakes. On this episode - where all three of the Listen Local team are actually in studio together - we catch up with Ruben Barajas, who is the owner of Barajas Mexican Bar & Grill in Pequot Lakes. Ruben dives into everything from how he and his family ended up in Pequot Lakes, to his decision to reopen Barajas, some of his funniest stories as a bar owner, and of course his relationship with our main sponsor Tyler Gardner! ALSO, they are planning a big fiesta at Barajas on Cinco de Mayo. So mark that on your calendars today! After some really funny and entertaining stories from Ruben, the LL guys talk about upcoming events this weekend including the 30th Anniversary Reed's Gun Fair and the 15th Annual Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes in Nisswa! As always thanks again to our sponsor Tyler Gardner with Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation. To stay up date, with all things listen local by following our pages: Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

It's the middle of winter and the parties and events haven't slowed down! This weekend is a perfect example of that. While it certainly seemed like Jacob, Isaiah and Colton were all sort of in a salty mood at the beginning of this one - ripping on everything from Kendrick Lamar to the toilet seats in the Punta Cana Airport bathrooms and more - once the guests came on, that's when the fun began. Our first guest, Justin Olson, is not only the brains and talent behind the first ever Nisswa 100 Snowmobile race, but may also be participating in it as well! We talk to Justin about that, everything that has gone into making this event happen and more! Then... right after Justin, we caught up with our friend Sarah Smith from Camp Confidence who is also one of the peeps in charge of this weekends Frozen Four out on Gull Lake. That event is gonna be POPPIN' this year if we don't say so ourselves. Sarah tells us about all the awesome bars and sponsors involved, as well as what the 'theme' is for this year. So listen in!! So, those while are two extemely exciting events, that's not all! On Saturday, make sure to head out to Crosslake to see our pals at Moonlite Bay as they are having their Ice Tee Open, with proceeds going to support Camp Knutson. That is ALWAYS such a fun event. Needless to say, there will be a lot going on this Saturday & Sunday, so make sure you start planning today! Also, for more info, make sure to click the links below!Nisswa 100 presented by Northland Sports CenterGull Lake Frozen Four and FlopMoonlite Bay Ice Tee Open Instagram: ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN

Beach Boys, X Games, BRP and the Pleasure Palace... all topics discussed on this episode between the LL Guys and special guest Colton Sturm. And yes, you read that right, "THE PLEASURE PALACE". On a serious note for a second tho, HUGE thanks to Sturm for coming on the show to tell us some of his best X Games Athlete stories, being a ambassador for BRP's Lynx Snowmobiles, starting a business in the Brainerd Lakes Area, and why the Nisswa boy always knew this area was 'home.' Also - and probably the biggest tease for this show - Sturm, who is almost always rocking a hella mustache, lets the crew (and listeners) know his thoughts on Isaiah's transition into the Mustache fraternity. ANNNNND, if you are looking for something to do this weekend and are feeling the Christmas Spirit, make sure to head down to Mn Traders Co. from 4-7pm on Saturday for their BCE Fundraising Event. For the most up-to-date news from us, make sure to check out our various pages: Instagram:ListenLocalMNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMNNorthwoodsAgent Facebook:Listen Local MNBlazeAirMNWoodsToWaterMN And Special Thanks to our Sponsor: Pequot Lakes and Gull Lake Sanitation

Hi Everyone! On this episode Colton, Isaiah and Jacob catch up with Pam Dorian, the Director of the Nisswa Chamber. During this episode, Pam - who just celebrated her 1-year anniversary as Chamber Director - reflects on that first year, what it was like having parades and events back, why Nisswa should be a tourist destination for anyone visiting the area, and she even dives into her backstory of how she ended up in Nisswa 26 years ago! That is QUITE the story. All of that and soooo much more in this extremely fun episode. Also, if you are looking for stuff do to in the Lakes Area over this Labor Day weekend, Woods to Water has you covered! Make sure to check out all of the happenings in their latest Blog! Thanks for tuning in.

Sooooo excited this episode finally happened. On this show, the LL Crew catches up with Tony and Bror from the world famous Rafferty's Pizza. As one of the most well-known restaurants in the area, we discuss everything from their beginnings at Rafferty's as kids in high school, to now both of them managing one of the Raffs restaurants, Bror in Crosby and Tony in Nisswa. Speaking of those locations, we dive into what makes each one of them unique (including the Crosslake location), but also why they still bring that Rafferty's nostalgia. As we mentioned in this episode, we could all talk for days about the history and growth of Raffertys Pizza, the memories, what it means to the community and so much more - so maybe a second round with these guys Oh and we also put them on the spot with some local pizza trivia!Thanks again to both Tony and Bror for joinin and can't wait to get back into grab some pizza (which will more than likely be tonight... Then, after the Raffs guys step out, the LL fellas chat about the State Fair coming up, a trip to TC Summer Jam, a little more about Lakes Jam (make sure to catch the newly released Lakes Jam recap video filmed and produced by BlazeAir), and some more happenings in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Was a fun one, hope you all enjoy!

Today is Friday, July 23, 2021. The Brainerd Dispatch Minute is a product of Forum Communications Co. and is brought to you by reporters at the Brainerd Dispatch. Find more news throughout the day at BrainerdDispatch.com.

Learn from real estate expert, Rebecca Sellnow as she talks about how to have fun with real estate. Rebecca Sellnow has over a decade of work experience in real estate. Along with concentrating on single family home sales, she has successfully completed mergers and acquisitions across multiple industries to include: farms, recreational property, and businesses. Rebecca began her real estate career in Nisswa, MN, and is excited to bring her experience and knowledge to the Cheyenne community. She believes in the importance of building relationships and trust with her clients. She always returns calls, and works hard to find all options available for her clients. Her ultimate goal is to have satisfied and happy clients at the end of a successful transaction. Rebecca enjoys coordinating fundraising events with a focus on veterans, cancer and suicide prevention. She also enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, and all Christian celebrations with traditional family gatherings. In her free time she enjoys reading, listening to music, singing and dancing. Rebecca's energy and enthusiasm, coupled with her determination and drive, makes her a real estate professional you can trust with one of your most valuable assets: your home. If you're considering a real estate professional, give Rebecca the opportunity to earn your business. You'll be happy you did! "Real estate does not have to stressful. Find a preofessional who will take the stress away" ~ Rebecca Sellnow Contact Rebecca at: Email - Rebecca@Cheyennehomes.com Thank you for listening to the Entrepreneur Experts Cafe - sponsored by Entrepreneurs Rocket Fuel. I am Kimberly Crowe your host, and creator of the Facebook Community, Entrepreneurs Rocket Fuel, a community by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs and experts to get their business to the next level. ✅ Join the conversation! https://www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursrocketfuel/

Have ever thought or recognized you needed a weekend away for refreshment or rest? Whether you're in the midst of the mundane or the mountain top of life? Maybe, you have waited for an invitation to do a getaway, but that invitation has never arrived. Well, host Sondra Doty wants to welcome you with an invitation to Steadfast Retreat. The Steadfast Retreat is an all-inclusive Christian Women's Retreat at the Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, Minnesota. A weekend away to rest, restore nd remember that when our hearts are tethered to the one who knows our name, we have the assurance of a restored, strong, and steadfast heart.  In episode 35, guest Dre Barthel shares her story of how and the why she created Steadfast Retreat. The next retreat is on November 12-14, where attendees will her Steadfast speakers and storytellers share what it means to be an overcomer. Registration opens up May 1 and spots will fill quickly, so grab your girlfriends for an all-inclusive weekend away!  "May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ." 2 Thessalonians3:5  Get to know guest Drew Barthel:  An entrepreneur at heart, Dre chose to launch a boutique events business-Covey in August of 2017. Through the Covey platform she has created and produced three successful annual event series: the Momboss 5k and The Bright Side Charity Fair and the Steadfast Retreat.  Dre is a gifted entrepreneur with over 20 years of event production and marketing experience. Her passion for events, effective branding, and strategy collies here with her deepest desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Curating marketing and event campaigns with the client, brand, and key audience in  mind is the strategy. Increased visibility, and expanded network & community, and measurable impact are the results.  Follow Dre: https://www.instagram.com/coveyevents/ https://www.instagram.com/thesteadfastretreat/ Details on the Steadfast Retreat: https://www.coveyevents.com/steadfast-retreat Episode Ad/Details on Free Food For Kids https://www.freefoodforkids.com/ If you love listening to Word To Your Mothers®, kindly write a review on your podcast platform or send an email to wordmothers@gmail.com  Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review and share each episode!  Book a Life Doula Session with Sondra https://calendly.com/word-to-your-mothers/life-doula-consulting Book Sondra to speak at your event, group or conference http://wordtoyourmothers.com/speaking/ Follow @wordtoyourmothers https://www.instagram.com/wordtoyourmothers/ Support the podcast by buying WTYM® Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/word-to-your-mothers/

Sean and Tim analyze the recent blockbuster trade between Nisswa and Manitoba involving Alvin Kamara, Deshaun Watson, Calvin Ridley, Teddy Bridgewater, and Jonnu Smith.

Farhan and Tim dive into two rosters to formulate advice for Eddie, Dave, and other salary-cap dynasty league owners.Do you give up on Dwayne Haskins? Is it time to move on from Kerryon Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins? Have Chris Carson and Robert Woods earned big contracts? What value will Julio Jones, Evan Engram, or David Johnson yield in a trade? We answer all this and more in this episode of STEAL. Crank it up!

Our guests today were Baxter Elementary Principal Dr. Tammy Stellmach, and Nisswa Elementary Principal Molly Raske.