Hey, BK, Dave, and enjoying life.  Thank you!  If I'd known turning 50 was so much fun maybe I wouldn't have wait so long!

Well, JNC, as I said I started with the most frustrating aspect and it only gets better from here.  Even then, as I re-read that post I think I must have been in the throes of a particularly annoying period.  It hasn't been that bad since.

Yep, BW, now you know my secret.  Pillow + beard = hairy magic.  I wish I could sleep on my back.  It would make mornings SO much easier........

You and me both, BB!  I was really scared to take that first peek.  Thank you for the birthday wishes!  

Dirk, you have no idea how good it makes me feel to know that I'm not alone in that feeling about that 'cuddly toy thing'.  At first I felt sort of silly about it but now I don't care.  It's comfortable.  I'm glad you like the braid!  As you can see from the photo below I do too and it's any easy way to manage my beard.  As always, my friend, thank you for your constant support and camaraderie. 

Paul, man, I can scarcely imagine the complexity that using mustache products would add to the whole sleeping with a big beard and stache mix!  Well, yes I can, I've seen some of your morning beard photos!  As it is I wake up with hair all over the place but at least it isn't affixed with yesterday's product choice!  For me, getting to my morning coffee simply means sweeping some hair to the side and using a mustache cup.  I don't see either of us talking of changing anything, though.  

Thank you, Sean.  The next installment is coming soon.

Thank you, Leuchdioden!  Sounds like you and I have similar sleeping habits.  If you find an easy solution short of wearing a seatbelt to bed please let me know!

Hey Ronnie, thank you.  As for dunking my beard, on those few occasions where I've been able to do it since growing a big beard I love it!  The sensation of it moving in the water and feeling it flop around on my chest after is pretty cool.  I'd hardly say you're weird, though.  It's just that, as with growing a beard in general, every man has his preferences and there's no 'wrong' or 'weird' answer.  

Hey, Thiago, thank you for your kind words and for stopping by!  If I lead by example it's the one set by all the men here.  I may just take that example to an extreme from time to time

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Well, gents, I've enjoyed a week of gluttony and imbibery to celebrate my 50th birthday.  If I'd known turning 50 was so much fun  I'd not have waited so long to do it!  It culminated today with lunch with a friend who called earlier in the week, saying "I'll bring a 1966 Bordeaux".  How could I refuse?  We met today in Portland and reveled in charcuterie and wine.  My beard feels stronger already

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Also, my passport expired this year so I followed all the photo guidelines, sent in my renewal and, voila!  The beard is now official for at least another 10 years!

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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
Last Edited By: Tom E . Edited 1 times.