She would see her kids between the two round trips she would drive that particular day. During the school year, the girls sometimes come along on afternoon trips. In the summer, they often drive with her all day long. When her dialysis passenger has a Saturday appointment, she'll take her daughters bowling, shopping or to a movie. The phone rang yet again.
Tourists are big business, even in the winter.
A few months ago, she took a group of Japanese tourists out three nights running to search for the aurora. It was close to 30 below zero, and the group lingered for hours. The visitors appreciated her patience. Even better, the tour leader said he'd be back next year. Denkewalter sends Thompson all the business she can.