Home Sweet. . . . .

As though to underscore our leaving the madcap and carefree life of Florida until the fall, we always close down the condo like we're preparing for a minor Apocalypse.

Bugs and food poisoning :  I emptied the cupboards of anything that could conceivably draw bugs, scattering bay leaves with abandon just in case that might actually deter visitors. (I have no idea if that works) Flour, sugar, coffee, pancake mix, etc to freezer.  To avoid ptomaine, or even the urge to tempt fate, I emptied the fridge. (Although I’m going to play fast and loose with ketchup and mustard.)

Hurricane : All furniture off of the porch in case of high winds.

More bugs: Cover all drains

Sewer gas & possible critters : Plastic wrap over the toilets to avoid evaporation.

Heat and/or rust : Bikes out of the garage and huddling in the guest room.

Burst pipes, etc: Turn off water & water heater

Lock up and contact the house sitter to visit once a month

Two 12 hour days in the car and we fell happily through our front door in Massachusetts.

Except the toilet now leaks with every flush, a piece of the roof was lying on the ground outside the window, and My Guy’s car had a dead battery.