One of the delights about living in the San Francisco Bay area was and is the number of places to visit — either by yourself or with friends and family. One of the places I enjoyed was Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. For those who don't know, originally it was a wharf for fishermen but was remodeled and commercialized with shops and restaurants — perfect for locals and tourists alike.

The weather in San Francisco is typically cool — thus it is best to dress in layers. Would you believe I still have this shirt in my closet? Admittedly, it does not get much wearing time in Phoenix, but it's ready when the cool winter weather arrives.

The day this photo was taken, I was meeting friends from Santa Rosa (some 50 miles north of San Francisco). My driving distance from Los Gatos was about 45 miles. Convenient spot to meet.

Their daughter, Sarah, was growing up fast — and just as cute as she could be — and smart as a whip.

Her baby sister, Ashley, was equally cute — and the two seemed to get along so well at that age.

Ashley did seem to enjoy meeting a stuffed animal — a sea otter perhaps.

Something totally captured Sarah's attention — so cute. And it is that cuteness that makes it so much fun to photograph kids.

Maybe it was the giant entertainer that caught her eye — I think he was a juggler on stilts. I was a decent juggler in those days and was as entranced as Sarah was.

In addition to shops and restaurants, Fisherman's Wharf also had a merry-go-round. A great attraction for kids of all ages.

There were lots of theme shops such as the Disney Store. Surprisingly, I just checked online and it no longer exists at this location. To the left, S. Claus had every kind of Christmas decoration you could imagine and more. I don't see it on the current roster of stores but a shop called Christmas in San Francisco may have taken its place.

I also recall a unique (to me anyway) shop that catered to left-handed individuals. Have you ever tried to cut a sheet of paper holding the scissors in your left hand? It's tough to do which explains the need for items designed for left-handers. The shop is still there — Lefty's - The Left Hand Store. It's fun to explore even for us righties.

Fishman's Wharf also has great views — boat docks with the Bay Bridge in the misty distance.

From this spot, you can see Alcatraz — formerly a maximum security federal penitentiary, it is now a tourist attraction. Buy your ticket and board a boat that zips you over to the island where you tour the prison and the grounds.

A short walking distance from Pier 39 is Ghirardelli Square home to more shops and restaurants. The place I and my sweet tooth enjoy is The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop — a perfect place to get a fabulous sundae or an old-fashioned ice cream soda.

If I may have enticed you to visit, do note that Ghirardelli is remodeling all three facilities here in phases so that at least two of the shops will be open while the work is being done.