yardley: Philadelphia Metropolis

This Old House

By Rachel Levy Lesser» I grew up in a house built my grandparents. The new construction was complete in 1967, and it was distinctively theirs. The 6-foot bathtub and extra high counter tops were designed by and for my 6-foot-4 grandfather. The art studio complete with a science-like lab sink and oversized slots for canvases was what my grandmother, the budding artist, had always wanted. It wasn't their house for as long as they would have hoped. After my grandfather died suddenly, my grandmother wanted nothing more of their dream home in Yardley. She moved to New York City where she could be near the art and culture that she craved. This left my young parents in a precarious position. They had outgrown our small ranch (Comments)

Tough Love for Tough Students

Class over, 10 students line up single file in the 4th floor hallway, no talking, hands clasped behind their backs. They all appear well groomed in school uniforms --belts cinched, shirts tucked in, no flashy jewelry in sight, no caps. Their teacher is with them, and several other staffers stand nearby, watching for even minor misbehavior, as the youngsters head for their next class. It looks like boot camp and, in a way, it is -- the middle school version, where students do classwork but also get what amounts to basic training in self-control, social skills and appropriate behavior. (Comments)

Going With Her Gut

By Rachel Levy Lesser Usually, I don't make New Year's resolutions, but this year I have made an exception to my rule.  I have one resolution and I plan to stick to it:  I resolve to go with my gut... (Comments)