Wow Tom. That story painted such a picture, that I felt like I was there. I spent many times getting ready for shift work not knowing exactly how long I'd be there. The people for the next shift might call off and I'd work a double. So I can imagine just how it was, as best as I can.
I remember working at a graphite plant many years back. Guys called off all the time. So I accepted to work a double. I remember in the morning a boss came up to me and asked if I'd stay on. I replied "sure I would" and smiled. He walked off and I kept working.
There must have been some staffing problem with management and another boss named Butch came in way early. He always made the rounds and came up to me with a weird look on his face. We both said hello and he walked off. A very short time later he came rushing back to me. He asked how long I had been there? I replied a few years now. No, he asked again, how long I had been on shift. I just smiled and he said weren't you here when I left? I said yes.
He went and confirmed the shift records and ran back. He said I had to go home! I guess it's illegal to work a triple? 
