@Simmo: no worries. No immediate plans and certainly no blame.  And I'm not sure I am heading that direction, but the fact that I've never been there is an enticing thought.  Today, though, the circle beard keeps growing and I'm enjoying it.

Thanks @gato and @Rothenberger.  If I had any prowess with Photoshop I'd take one of my beard-with-big-stache photos and mock up the fantasy.  But I don't, alas.  But, hey.... messing around with trying to figure out software will take some time... and my beard (and stache... I am definitely going to build some more length there) will still grow in the meantime.

Thanks to all for listening to my rantings and offering honest opinions!