Of course, it doesn't fit...

Another hot day: the weasels are calling for 102º as a high.  Yesterday was the 100th day this year with local temps over 100º.

For the past four months, we have run some heat (propane or electric) almost every night.  Rarely needed air conditioning.  Yeah, it is an adjustment.  It isn't just the heat, it is the change of routine and the noise.  The routine: we do a lot of "outside living."  We were outside this morning - for a trip to the pool and the laundry.  I got a bit more pool time than Joan, since she was handling laundry duties.  When we first got to the pool, there was a grand total of 3 other people in it.  By the time Joan went back to check the laundry, it was down to one other guy and me.  He was swimming laps.  Seriously.  I was splashing about like a kid.  And taking an occasional minute or three in the hot tub, before going back to the pool.  Finally, just me...

Not a lot of people here, yet.

The routine affects Izzy, too: she is used to regular walks outside.  She doesn't understand that early morning or after the sun goes down is the only time for a furry kid to be outside in the sun and the heat.

And in the meantime, we have all the shades down on the motorhome.  The Aspect has tinted dual pane windows; MCD duo shades (with sunscreen and black-out shades)... the sun laughs at that.  So, no open feeling inside the motorhome... we do leave one small bedroom shade up so Izzy can look out.  The nice, bright interior feels a bit like a cave.

And, the noise... we spent the summer in a quiet setting.  Oh, occasionally you'd hear an airplane fly over or a car out on the road, but mostly it was the sound of the birds.  In this heat, you have the constant sound of the air conditioner running... and it really is pretty constant - it just doesn't shut off much, except in the middle of the night.  So, you have to turn the TV up. Which adds to the cacophony.

What does that have to do with the fit?  Thanks for asking.  Yesterday, we stopped at the Winnebago dealer (different outlet of the same company where we bought the Aspect) to get a piece for the screen door... the latch that keeps the screen door came apart.  Well, a little spring in the latch broke... apparently making the whole thing non-functional.  You would think you could buy just another spring.  You would be mistaken.  You would think the part would be covered under warranty... and you would be right, providing you are willing to go through the service department, take the coach to them, wait for several weeks 'till they can get at it, then get the very minor part replaced.

I asked the parts lady, "How much is the replacement latch?"

She said, "Twelve to fifteen dollars."  For that little amount, I'll just buy it and not have to deal with service.  That was the plan.  The reality: I got there, and the part was actually $29.99.  Yes, twice what she quoted me over the phone.

I said, "Can't I just give you the old part, so you can see it is broken, and you give me the new one under warranty?"

"No, a service writer has to approve it."  I went to a service writer and told him, "I just need an RO (repair order) number to replace this part - and you won't have to replace it, I will."

It took him about 30 seconds to generate a number.  "Thank you very much."  Back to parts and Mindy, and she handed me the part... "I just need you to sign the repair order."  Of course, that took longer to get printed than the rest of the process.  But, I had the part, and the price was right.

Got back to the coach and... no, it wasn't the exact replacement.  Holes didn't line up correctly.  The job that should take 15 minutes would run into a bunch of time if it needs to be re-engineered.  So, back to the dealer again today.  An explanation to another parts guy (Mindy was at lunch), and I had the correct striker plate.  I checked a couple Aspects on the lot to make absolutely sure.

Back home, yes it fits; yes the screen door works again.  Not a brilliant design.  And, with the outside air temp currently at 104º, we aren't going to be using the screen door any time soon.  But, it works.  :-)

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As you know, we have been on an island, with limited shopping.  Being in the big city, we have many options.  For groceries.  For clothing.  Restaurants.  And, as the saying goes: when the going gets hot, the hot go shopping in air conditioned comfort.  Yes, the motorhome is air conditioned.  No, it isn't the same as... oh, if you read the above, you know.  But, Cabela's is nicely air conditioned, and reasonably quiet.  I could use a couple hot weather shirts.  'Cause, it's hot here.  And, they are promoting all their "winter wear."  It makes me even hotter to look at sweaters and jackets, but you have to walk past that stuff to get to "last season's stuff."