here where we dont get earthquakes :) the standard is to use a sealant along the bottom row of tiles but if you asked two contractors in your area and they both do it the way you describe, I would say there is a reason for it. What it sound like to me is that they grout because it looks better but there is still a layer of sealant over the top in case the grout cracks etc to protect the joint or they are using sealant first and the grout goes over the top to cover the sealant? Sealant doesnt last forever anyway and if it comes off then it would just be a 5 minute job to redo it so I dont think it would be a big deal as long as there is some sealant there for protection. Just my thoughts :)

Thanks, Michael/Lyra! (grin) she's darned expensive and time consuming for an imaginary child, sheesh. Nope, L, no plastic containers of potato salad in the refrigerated section. I suppose I should be grateful, I did find a plastic container of that ground up bologna and pickle with mayonnaise "sandwich spread" once. The grocery store originally had a small bakery and deli, with rotisserie chickens, but apparently those items spoiled before they could be sold and became a big loss, so now I can get a cold pre-cooked chicken on the weekends, donuts only from Sara Lee and sliced lulnch meats and cheeses. They have a small "hot" section" at lunch time, usually chicken strips, corn dogs and pizza rolls. I can get canned Bush's baked beans, though, and ice cream. Two brands, either Country Fresh or Hudsonville. tricia, I never said I was a manager. I'm a Mom and a farmer and at work I'm "Angela, The Pitbull". My employees know their jobs well, so I don't delegate very much, they just do their jobs and I make sure they get paid. I spend most of my time doing legal research, drafting briefs and motions and trying to make sure the criminals get locked up, while simultaneously trying to wipe the images of their abused wives/battered children out of my brain, along with the memory of the autopsy photos and the drunk driving victims. I'm not good at delegating, I'm good at doing whatever needs to be done to help those who need it. That, and I'm good at cooking, so i do what I'm best at. At least I enjoy the cooking! Annie

Yep, Beth's Cafe is still open, 24 hours! I wouldn't call it fine dining though, LOL. That's sort of the place you go at 3am when nothing else is open. They still have that deal too where you get a special award or whatever if you can eat their 12 egg omellette. Yikes. Not sure about Hirams, I think I've heard of it. I spend more time downtown than Ballard so most of the places I know are down there, besides Ray's Boathouse and Anthony's which are both in Ballard. And both DELICIOUS.

Walnut Burgers 2 lg eggs 2/3 cup whole wheat bread crumbs(I just use WW bread torn into small pieces) 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1/2 cup chopped green onions 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ 1/2 cup small-curd cottage cheese 2 tbs chopped parsley 1 tsp basil 1/2 tsp oregano 1/2 tsp papriks garlic salt 4 slices cheese (your preference) toasted buns or bread garnish(lettuce, tomato, red onion) In a bowl,beat eggs. Stir in bread crumbs,walnuts,green onions,wheat germ,cottage cheese,parsley,and herbs. Season to taste with garlic salt. Broil on greased sheet until brown on both sides. Top with cheese and broil till melted. Serve on buns with condiments. Serves 4