Yeah, dennis, it's all your fault  At least you know that I took your comment seriously!  As for the shirt, well, I had you and others in mind for quite a while before posting. 'Godly' seems a little short in company like yours.  Thank you for your kind words about the wedding!

Timpac, it clearly wasn't designed by a guy wearing a big beard!

Thank you for that, Rino!  

Ah, so now I understand why, Dave, when my wife see's me first thing in the morning she says, "Oh, God".  

Thank you so much for that, VC!  I

Ol Grizz, thank you.  I had no idea, though, that after all the joy and excitement it would be so hard to turn the page on that chapter.  

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Thank you to everyone for all your thoughts, congratulations and good wishes.  It's meant more than you can know.  While I'm ecstatic about this new chapter in my daughter's life I hadn't considered that it meant closing a chapter for my wife and me.  That's been pretty tough to handle these past couple of weeks.  I've now gotten back into my regular workout schedule, am eating better, have lost 5 lbs., and have dived back into my work with gusto and the difference is huge.  Last Tuesday we had a big celebration for the end of a very successful fiscal year at my company and I felt better than I have for days, so threw on some duds, braided the beard, and off I went to the office.  Here's me at the end of a wonderful day with colleagues - beard, bead, tweed.

83733dd9ed4340bb8dc18a023c906f2f_r.jpg

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
Last Edited By: Tom E Oct 29 15 10:05 PM. Edited 1 times.