Karen, I'll keep my finger crossed so your plants will not die. Try to relax and enjoy your vacation and family, the plants will be fine.

Pat

I understand this as well

For me each year I go to Florida,from Canada, for the winter. Ten years now
Most people hate to be away so long from their grown children and grandchildren. Well there is that as well
But I always feel guilty, when I hear them talking about it, for what I have more concern about is leaving my plants for six months, darn near.
By the time I leave for the south I have put most of the outside garden to bed for winter.
But there are all the pots I have for so many years dragged in to the basement or cold room, now.
My Brugmansia, Calla lilies, Dahlias, Cannas, jasmine, fushia and such.
Before going south I never lost many Brugmansia over winter, Keeping them mostly dormant, yet not completely and rooting new plants.
I have almost had to give up on Brugmansia. As most don't make it.
I have a daughter who lives in my home when I am south, but although she says she will, she never, does water at all.
Some things are okay such as Dahlia and Canna and Calla lilies but not the dear Brugmansa. My dearest love of all plants
I try them in Florida but the same with no one taking care of them for the most part they do not survive. Sometimes Datura do, but not long term.

I do none the less have some gorgeous gardens, here in Canada and down in Florida. Work hard at them and am happy.
Sure would not have stayed in Canada all winter, just to save the Brugmansia plants.
We have to live our lives with people and plants. But people first.

I'm not as worried about the brugs as everything else. If they don't get watered the above ground growth will die but they'll come back. Not so with most of my others. I stashed what I could under the benches of the cooled GH and put others in shade. I just have very little shade but I did put up a few patio umbrellas. I hope we don't get a storm! I'm not worried about plants that are inground. They'll do fine but I have 400+ container plants. Hence the problem with having the neighbor's DD water everything, especially twice a day. Maybe if she didn't have my freakin' menagerie to care for I'd ask but the animals have to take priority. At least the beach is fun and they are calling for nice weather.

Elizabeth