Grapefruit are ripening, skip the ornamental oranges

OK, OK, OK … the Marines used to draft people. You can stop writing and calling to tell me I got that wrong. Please. Sheesh.

Let’s move on.

Today’s question:

Why, when I come to this great citrusgrowing state of Arizona, the only grapefruit that I can find in the grocery

stores is Texas-grown red cue balls. Where the hell are the wonderful Arizona pink grapefruit?

Still on the trees. You are just a bit early. Arizona grapefruit do start to ripen in December and there some on the market now, but their season really hits its stride after the first of the year.

Also, while there are a lot of grapefruit around here, we still rank behind California, Florida and Texas in grapefruit production. We’re big on lemons, but not so much on grapefruit.

Also, it is possible the supermarkets aren’t your best bet. Try fruit stands or

farmers markets.

Between Loop 101 and Union Hills on 75th Avenue there are several orange trees. They are planted next to the fence and there is a grassy area and sidewalk next to 75th Avenue. I am not sure if this is Glendale or Peoria. If I wanted to, would it be legal for me to pick the oranges?

I am not about to bestir myself to drive all the way out to 75th Avenue and Union Hills to investigate this matter. I am too busy dealing with all the people telling me the Marines at one time took draftees.

However, I suspect these orange trees, if they are planted on the roadside, are ornamental oranges which are not generally considered to be edible. Just go to the store.

Why are there handicap-parking spaces in the cell-phone lots at Sky Harbor?

Because public places are required to provide handicapped parking by the Americans with Disabilities Act.