something (not the windows) is making #4 fuse blow
 

something is making the #4 fuse blow - i replace it, go for a drive (and not touch the window switches - but if i do, the windows work great) - then all of a sudden there is no power to the windows!

is there anything else that runs on this circuit that i could check for a short?

Check the wiring where it passes from the car into the door. Over the years, it tends to get worn here, and shorts out to the frame.