Thank you for all the thoughtful replies, gentlemen.  I'll respond soon, when I get home and come down to earth, and I'll post some better photos than this quickie but, for now, here's one happy bearded guy and his lovely about-to-be-wed daughter while we were still dry-eyed, and just a tad stilted and worried about how we looked smiley: wink.  The ceremony was beautiful. She asked that I knit my vest and braid my beard.  Mission accomplished! 

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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