Mike and his wife Becky were touring the La Vida Llena (LVL) retirement community when the Train Room caught his eye.  A retired environmental engineer, Mike has had a special interest in model trains from the time he was a child.  He thought it would be fun and satisfying to get back into his hobby now as a senior.  “The Train Room began with the first residents that moved here to LVL in 1983.  People came here with their various hobbies,” Mike says.  When the opportunity came up to move into one of the community’s casitas, they didn’t hesitate.  Now, Mike is the Model Railroad Club President for the community’s unique Train Room – model trains taken to a whole new level.  But Mike says that’s not where other hobbies and special interests end here at La Vida Llena, Albuquerque’s only Life Plan community.  He points out there are many other opportunities residents have created here such as art exhibits, ceramics studio, sewing groups, three libraries, wood shop, and more.  And his favorite part about life at La Vida Llena?  “The community.  The neighbors.  It’s different from living just my wife and I together.  It’s been quite enjoyable,” Mike says.  He is enthusiastic about the concept of “neighbors helping neighbors” and has been a great asset to his community assisting his fellow neighbors with technology issues.  Mike and his wife have lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico for over 35 years.  With no children, Mike says he finds the diverse La Vida Llena community to be a great support system for seniors.

Mike and his wife enjoy independent films, RV road trips, and going on cruises around the world.