I met Dennis some 15 years ago when we both attended church at the start-up Highland Campus of Sagebrush Church. We were in a bible study group for several years there together, among other activities, and since have stayed in touch with a few others in town from that small group.

Dennis celebrated his 80th birthday this year, and so this afternoon was a party to commemorate it at his home, where his wife surprised him with visits from two of his out-of-state sons and their wives.

Besides enjoying great New Mexican food and a private performance by Mariachi Tenampa, an Albuquerque mariachi group, I got to meet Esmeralda, Dennis’ recent acquisition for riding out his later years in classic style- in a 1930 Chevrolet coupe, purchased in immaculate shape from an owner in Arizona within the last year.