Welcome back.

I agree with Dan, comments like those are rooted in jealousy, either for your beard or for your having the guts to be different. Either way, you're in control, so do your best to ignore it.

That's one fine beard, sir, and the color is beautiful!

Cheers!
Tom


Some helpful links:
Library Central of Beard Growing


Taming the Wild Mustache
Tips for eating and drinking with a big mustache

Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit. ~ W. Somerset Maugham
A jerk with a beard is just a bearded jerk, but a bearded gentleman is awesomeness personified. ~ Triibeard