My dad and I didn't always get along. He was an old school businessman from the midwest and I was a California city girl. So much was off base. Nonetheless, I recall our trips to fruit stands with affection.

Whenever we drove out to the countryside in search of fruit stands with beautiful produce, everything became right. My dad had a childlike enthusiasm for such things. He would inspect everything that was set out, checking color and smell, and then speak earnestly to the farmers about the season and their particular varieties and cultivars. He would direct me to examine each astounding thing.

He was particularly concerned with tomatoes. He could remember all their names, and was thrilled to see the varieties with unusual colors and dense sweet flesh. He liked nothing better than to slice the finest deep red ones onto a plate with a little salt.

All this is brought back to me at this time of year, as I look forward to the farmer's market each week. I would encourage you to pack up and go. Bring some cash, some bags, a camera and the family.

Here are several great reasons to get out to the farmer's market:

You will see what is being produced in your area.
You will get the best tasting fruits and vegetables.
You can get large quantities for "putting up" ,i.e. canning, freezing, and drying. These projects can be simple like applesauce, pickles or jam, or complicated like salsa, relish or chutney. They can be for your families' delight or for use as coveted gifts at the holidays.
You can meet new people and see ones you already know.
You can get gardening tips.
You can find some unique gifts or get inspired to make your own.
You can use your fancy stroller and wear a big hat.

My dad made the acquaintance of an old Japanese man who sold a particularly fine dense large red tomato. He had brought it from afar, and developed it. It had no name. Late in my dad's life, he saved some seeds from this tomato and put them in an envelope scrawled with the following, " Gina, Hope these seeds produce. If so save some for me. "

Many years later, after his passing, I found the envelope. I did not trust myself to grow them out, so I gave them to a neighbor who is very careful gardener. To our surprise they germinated and produced the lovely tomato.

Family road trips are traditionally fraught with stress. But yours doesn't have to be. The road trip season is upon us and you will want to prepare.

irst of all let the kids in on the plan. Get them involved in the preparations. It won't hurt them a bit to learn the organizational skills necessary for a small vacation. In fact you can delegate age appropriate chores to kids from 5 To 95 and that will make everyone all the more engaged.

Pick a destination.
Pick a route.
Research attractions along the route and at the destination.
Make sure everyone gets some say on the activities.
Go over the fine art of packing light and packing layers.
Make sure everyone has a duffle and a backpack of their own.
Choose some activities for traveling. Choose a mix of electronic and paper content.
Choose a mixture of packed food and culinary stops along the way.
Always plan for minor illness and inclement weather.
Plan your stops if there is any question of availability of lodging.
Encourage each traveller to document the trip in their own way, i.e. Diary, sketchbook, iPhone, camera, etc.
Confirm you have necessary charging and connectivity cords, batteries, etc.
As the trip leader, personally confirm the travel arrangements from the condition of your car to the AAA membership.

What could go wrong? : ) We ourselves are on the road heading down to Missoula for the Lindsey Stirling concert. It is turning into a bit of a culinary tour since when I left home, I stopped by the natural food store and got a bag of healthy car foods and drinks. Then going past the lake, grandma offered us waffles with berries. In Ronan we stopped by a little red and white taco place and I just knew the tacos would be crispy and hot. They were. Our intentions were then set on a bakery further down the road whose reputation had preceded it. Alas it was closed, but it made a good picture. (See photo.)

Travelling is an important family activity when learning takes place and memories are made. Takes these steps to make sure that both are good.