We got a job/ship on the Algoma Buffalo

Pack your virtual seabags. The call has come in and I accepted a job/ship on the Algoma Buffalo. It was called as a medical relief, which means a minimum of two weeks but can go on indefinitely. My guess is that I will finish the year, but you never know. I saw the familiar words "Thorold Union Hall" flash on the screen of my phone before it sounded the first ring. The voice of the Union agent came on and said I have two Chief Cook Jobs. I respond, "Wow, I have choices," trying to slow down the conversation, knowing that I would have only seconds to decide between the two jobs that had yet to be announced. He started with, "I have the Algoma Buffalo, medical relief, minimum two weeks join in the canal, and I have...Honestly, I didn't hear anything clearly after that. I had never heard of the second ship, and I used that time that he was describing the other job to think quickly. For those of you who have traveled virtually with me before, you may remember the Algoma Buffalo, I was there before in September (at the moment, I couldn't remember which year). I did, however, remember that I liked it, they have great windows, and the crew was very nice. The Agent was back asking are you interested? That was it, I had to make a decision. Lorraine (my sister, best friend, and publisher) and I had already discussed that I would consider taking a job that did not have a second cook. The Algoma Buffalo does not carry a second cook. In the past, I enjoyed working alone; it was the 12-hour days that were becoming too difficult on my ankle, which I broke 13 years ago, pushing me only to accept jobs with a 2nd cook. I visited an ankle specialist in November, and since I received my first cortisone shot, my ankle has felt great. I had mentioned to Lorraine that I would consider a job without a 2nd cook if it came up. She agreed, knowing that it is late in the season and that any job they call will not be that long with the Seaway Closing date drawing near. She also said that she could always come during Lay-up and help out if I was still there and if it wasn't too far away. Having had conversations with Lorraine made it easier to answer the Agent when he prompted, "I need an answer" and I said YES! I immediately called Lorraine, and she was not completely surprised I accepted a job without a 2nd cook because of our discussions. We both agreed I can easily do the job and it will be an opportunity to see how my ankle feels working the long days. We liked the fact that I had time before joining the ship, which is always a bonus. Sometimes, the jobs come in and the instructions are join tomorrow. Having the extra days knowing I have a job is great. I don't have to think and wonder, will I get a call today? Should I avoid the elevator in case I miss a call? Lorraine knows I am happy when I have a plan. Her words echo in my head "The planner needs a plan." After hanging up with the Union Agent, I went to look at my discharge book and answer the question, when was I on the Buffalo? I knew it was September, and I was only there for two weeks (another medical job call), and I flipped back pages from 2022 when I thought I was there until I saw the stamp. Algoma Buffalo September 15th 2021 Sarnia to September 29th 2021 Goderich. I then opened my photos on my laptop and typed in Sept 2021 to jog my memory of my time onboard the Buffalo. Memories came back and I was happy I said yes. I was waiting for the confirmation by email with the dispatch slip attached. I wanted to see the dispatch slip before I shared the news of a job/ship with you. I was surprised that there was still no confirmation email dispatch slip by the end of the day. I called the Union first thing the following morning and he said "We are waiting for your updated Medical Certificate, I left you a message." I had been talking to Lorraine and missed the previous day's message. The last time I sailed with Algoma was the Spring of 2023 (I was on the AlgoTerra), and the last Marine Medical Certificate they had on file had expired. I sent him the valid Medical Certificate and in no time I heard my phone ping with an incoming email and the dispatch slip. The dispatch slip also includes information on where to meet the ship. I know this date is just an estimated ETA, and I will contact the ship for updates. The job is called to join downbound in the canal so I am hoping to get at least one more trip down the Seaway this season. Over the next few days, I will pack my bags and enjoy my time, knowing that I have a job and a ship with which I am familiar. I wish you a lovely day and will keep you posted on any updates. Lorraine will make one more trip over to the US post office before the Christmas Holidays. If you plan to order any books or calendars, she will happily mail them to you. The Canadian books will be mailed as soon as the Canadian postal strike is over.