Small complications of leaving

We seem to be running around a lot these days, preparing to leave. We plan to come back in the dead of winter for a few weeks (hmmm, is that smart?) for play (snowshoeing, skiing, etc.), but will be gone quite awhile in the meantime. Thank goodness we have fabulous Walter to watch over things.
I planted daffodils bulbs - on the theory that they'll bloom long before the deer come back in the spring (which is mid-May here), Mark has strewn straw & more wild grass seed around, and I have to fling the lupine seeds that we collected wherever the urge takes me.
The blooming hanging baskets are done, having lasted weeks longer than they should have - it was warmer than normal for a couple of weeks - no freezing temps. Boy, they're here now - supposed to be 22 tonight. Mark has had a fire going in the fireplace for the last few mornings - love that.
Finished book #49 - The Facts of Life by Graham Joyce. - loved this one - post WWII English family drama with a bit of mystical stuff going on.

We are driving to Florida, a long trek, but it means that we can pile up things in the car that otherwise would be impossible to get there. My 5 foot diffenbachia plant for one (although I did actually fed-x wrapped in bubble wrap  last year and it survived the journey quite well.) This plant is of incalculable value, being 36 years old, an anniversary present from Mark. What, you say -oh, yes, this plant is older than our children. It has survived being hacked off at the roots (more than once), dumped in a trash bag with no light or water, and  dragged from place to place without regard to it's light, humidity, and water needs.

Deer are still around, but in ever smaller numbers. The elusive elk are here too - I just can't get close enough for a photo. They will all leave soon, deer lower elevations, elk higher for the winter. It's sad to be leaving, but everything around is saying bye - time for us to go to the land of white sand beaches, flip flops, lawns, & sprinklers. Talk about opposites!