I'm not sure if it's a blur or just the fog from too much wine, gato   Thank you, and stay tuned for yet another 'Tom meal with friends post tomorrow', this time featuring a longtime friend from this very board!

Hey Dirk, thank you for that.  I have to agree that I've found a style, or several of them, that I like, so I've no plans of stopping any time soon.

Uh oh, now you've got me wondering what I should prepare for my 3-year anniversary, Trick!  I don't suppose you'd settle for just another braided photo, huh  As for the east coast, yes, it's a very different culture from the west side of the country.  Much more emphasis is placed on appearance, in all the varied guises of that word.  It's not a bad thing, just different, and not where I'm happiest.

Oh, you know that organ, Dave!  I didn't hear it on this trip but I did hear it in the early 90s, back when the department store where it stands was still Wannamaker's  As if seeing it weren't enough, hearing it is just amazing!  Thank you, as always, sir.

Sort of like flogging someone with a wet noodle, huh Brodine   Thank you!

Thank you, Dominik!  

Oh, absolultely, Mjolnir!  I'd love to meet up next time you're here!  By then my beard will be a mere babe compared to yours

Thank you for that, metallic1!  Means a lot coming from one of the more epic beards here!  

Oh, Marty, you do know how to make a guy blush, don't you  Being an East Coast guy yourself, I bet you can imagine the stares and raised eyebrows I got wearing my beard that way at a restaurant in Philadelphia's Society Hill neighborhoos!  Ties of one kind or another have indeed become my go-to look, as much out of necessity as anything.  Thank you, my friend!

Hey, Sorin, thank you, and thank you for stopping by.

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As I mentioned in my reply to gato, I'll be having lunch tomorrow with a friend I met through this board.  This will be the third Christmas we've met up, which just amazes me.  Unfortunately he only has time for us to meet up in Portland this year rather than stopping by my place for a couple days of food, wine, and music.  Pics will be posted tomorrow!

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