The Chick Flies the Coop

The Chick Flies the Coop

“This is going to be the first time truly putting my travel skills from growing up to the test but I know it is just the beginning,” my youngest daughter Mel wrote in the “thank you” note she left

A visit to Lady Liberty and Ellis Island on a cold January day

A visit to Lady Liberty and Ellis Island on a cold January day

Despite the blustery January weather, crowds of bundled-up tourists from around the world lined up to take the Statue Cruises ferry to Liberty Island, good-naturedly taking off belts and watches for the security screenings. The second stop would be historic Ellis Island

Skiing in Austria

Skiing in Austria

I’ve never seen such wide open slopes — no trees, no houses, just field after field of newly fallen snow. And I’ve never seen my 18-year-old daughter Mel, an avid and expert skier, as happy to ski with mom.