ARB, simmo, Larry, Dave, Trick, metallic1, and sly - Thanks guys!  I agree that this is an easy resolution to keep since it's basically a continuation of what I've been doing but, hey, why not set a bar?  I, too, am really looking forward to seeing whether there's any difference in a year.

Marc - Impeccable?  Thank you, sir! Does that mean that you're planning to grow your masterpiece out for another 2.5 years?     I'm not looking for improvement - well, I'd love to have more density at the bottom - just to see whether there's a change.  

So, just what Disney villain did you have in mind, DoNTMOV3?  The Cracken?  I think I prefer one of the leonine heroes - The Beast in 'Beauty and the Beast' or Simba in 'The Lion King'  We need to change that stereotype that beards are for villains.  Now that I think of it, you're beard would be perfect for a sly villain!  

Triibeard, webwzrd, and Jonathan - Let's do it!  I'm in!  I'm sure there are some environmental benefits to the increased carbon sequestration in longer beards that could be touted in addition to the overall increase in awesomeness across the globe

Luke!  You're back!  It's so good to see your smiling, furry face again, my friend!  Thank you for that, sir.  You've been missed.

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The weather turned more seasonal here in Oregon the past couple of days.  We had very cold, for us, weather with lows around -6 C (20F) and highs just above freezing, followed by a couple of days of ice and freezing rain.  I discovered two things about wearing a big beard during this:

1) Two braids, one on either side of the chin, are NOT welcome!  This was the first time in years that my chin, somewhat exposed by the braids, has been cold.  Note to self:  Reserve two braids for summer wear.

2) Wearing a long, bushy beard really does a wonderful job of keeping the neck and chest warm in cold drizzle when there's no wind.  

I started back to work today, working from home due to the ice, after two weeks off.  I like time off more than I thought I did!

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