So based on the replies we have an answer. Flip a coin and either leave the fridge on or off, or selectively believe one side or the other regarding the various opinions on the issue at hand. Problem solved, kind of? : )

Did you have maggots & Flies when the meat defrosted?

On the water heater it is wise to turn it off. With no demand while you are gone, it will still heat up the water continuously. Kicking on and off as it cools.

Yes. Refrigerator on. Leave in a couple of gallons of water in plastic jugs so it will help cool the refrigerator.

Raise the lids on the toilets otherwise you will have mold from the water evaporating while you are gone. If you are worried about high humidity while you are gone, buy a roll-around dehumidifier and set it in your shower to drain.

I leave mine on and shut off ice maker. The bill is $20 more. Have neighbors check on the house while away.

Advice from our electric company: turn off the breaker to the hot water tank, oven, microwave. Turn off the house water, as your sprinklers will continue to water the lawn. Empty the refrigerator, BUT load it with 5 full gallons of bottled water so it is not totally empty. LEAVE THE REFRIGERATOR ON. In the freezer place a paper cup with a few ice cubes....if they are still ice cubes when you return, you did not lose power....if cubes have melted and turned into solid... you lost power while you were away. Still recommend home watch or a neighbor to have a key in case of an emergency.

Refrigerator
 

I solved the problem by buying a wifi temperature monitor for $50. It uses my wifi to send temperature to my iPhone every 10 minutes and sends an alarm if it rises more than 3 degrees. I always know the status regardless of my location.

If you leave the electric water heater on and shut off the water, the water inside the water heater will start to evaporate and perhaps in 6 month's time, the water level inside will drop low enough to expose the heating coils and will cause a burn out. I suggest that it be turned off.

Just like fridge in a store. Turn it off. Put a towel in the door to keep it open. Turn off the water at main valve to the house. Switch off hot water heater.

Never leave food in fridge that can spoil!
 

One Week before Leaving
Clean refrigerator and freezer. Eat food on hand.

Per: IFAS University of Florida article on Closing your Seasonal Home.

I found it at:
FCS3154/HE887: Closing Your Seasonal Home
It seems well thought out.

A word to the wise from someone who's "been-there-done-that". If you leave it on with food in it, make certain that it's not on a circuit that IS NOT protected by a GFI. We did, a heavy rain blew water into the lamp post, threw the GFI the fridge was on and we returned to a horrible smell in our garage and lost many, $$$$$$ in food. since, I had a separate, non-protected plug installed so that won't happen again.