That is what makes this especially meaningful and fun for me to share. So many of you have been through my myriad of posts over these few years with each acquisition, bargain, odd doesn't seem to fit in but I had to have it find. I was hoping to come home to some drawer installations today... but DH wasnt' in the mood... he's allowed. I've done all of them so far so it may end up being my responsibility. I'm so tired after work... it's a waaayyyy longer drive from here. I always stop at the other house to pick something up, check on this, stop at the store. By the time I get in I just want to chill a bit and take a nap. This is why it's taking forever! Plus.... we are out of money for now!!

here's what I wrote about the topic of Cracks VS Fissures back in 2006: Here's my opinion.... NOW - BEFORE you read this, REMEMBER, This is just what I think - I'm a Fabricator - NOT a Geologist)... with that said, here's what I think: A "fissure" is a natural point of separation within a mass of stone, that has existed since the time that particular stone was created. Fissures are typically found in certain types of stones, such as Marbles, Limestones, Gneisses & Schists, (but NOT in true Granites) and many times are mistaken for "veins". A fissure in a mass of stone is the weakest point within that mass, and if the stone is flexed enough, the stone will break at it's weakest point - along the line that constitutes a fissure. A "crack" is an unatural fracture or breaking point in the continuity of a mass of stone that occurs, when undo flexural forces bend that particular section of stone past it's breaking point to yeild a fracture or crack. In short - GOD made FISSURES WE make CRACKS... wise cracks & butt cracks Anyways - My .02 cents worth... I hope that helps those who were wondering.... kevin Kevin M. Padden Fabricator, Trainer & Consultant to the Natural stone Industry www.azschoolofrock.com www.naturalstone101.com

Thanks, all. The slab in the picture is the slab I was told I could have - I don't know exactly where it is now, but was told they'll be getting it in within the next 2-3 weeks. Obviously it's not there yet so I can't touch it, etc., but the other soapstone slabs they showed me were definitely soapstone. It didn't occur to me that they would have washed the slab for the pic, but I bet that's probably right, I'll ask about that when I email them next week. I guess I was just a little paranoid because the first guy who helped me was really condescending and tried to immediately steer me to granite when none of the few soapstone slabs they had in stock were what I wanted. I was also surprised that they told me it would be extremely hard to find exactly what I want - dark gray/black soapstone that was pretty uniform in appearance, without much veining. It seems like every kitchen I see with soapstone has that kind of counter!

Sorry I missed the questions and thanks for bumping. Marble - It was sold to me as carerra (I never know how to spell it!), but I've been told that's not it, given that its coloring is primarily white and not gray. It has gray and brown veining. Whatever it is, I love it. It is 3cm. It's holding up well, but is developing the patina I expected. We weren't careful on moving day and big, heavy boxes full of kitchen supplies were dragged across the marble (my parents did it; how could I yell, "not on my marble!" when they were so graciously helping us move in?) and there are places where you can see drag marks when the light hits it just so. And DH allowed the A/V installer to use the island top as his work station one day; it's pretty dinged up where he was working. Hubby's response, "You wanted it to have a patina." Well, yes, but not intentionally! No staining yet; a couple of etch marks, but nothing drastic. The biggest shock is that I have a crack in the marble, where I took a heavy stock pot full of a double batch of chili off the Berta, turned around & plopped it on the marble. I don't know if it was the heat, the weight, or both, but CRACK! It's about four inches long running into the marble from the edge. Geez! I don't think marble is normally susceptible to cracking, so I don't know why mine did. Sharp Micro Drawer - We love it. It's the best micro I've had and it's very convenient for us under the counter, though my parents' first comment was , "You know your kids someday will be cooking their toys." Thank you; that's why it has a kid lock. I purchased it online from one of the appliance places that is discussed with frequency on the appliance forum. I don't remember which one ... just who ever had the best price at the time. I would suggest getting the manual open and close. We went with the style that you have to push the button to open and close. That's not intuiative, especially for guests who always grab for the handle. Sink to Fridge - I don't know the measurement offhand and I'm writing from work (shhhh!) so can't run and measure. It doesn't feel cramped to me. There have been times, though, (i.e., Thanksgiving) when I've had too many dirty dishes that I wanted to wash by hand that just didn't fit in that space, so I used the island behind me. Day-to-day it is plenty of room. DH has asked numerous times if he can set up the coffee maker in that space (since it's right next to the fridge, which is right next to the pantry). It would be a very convenient place for the coffeemaker, but I need that space free. The fridge is counterdepth. It's a GE Profile. Love the fridge. We continue to enjoy the kitchen immensely and are cooking more than we ever have!