Lynn, since your bulb has bloomed before, the bulb should still be the size it was when it bloomed or even bigger. Yes, I'd gently remove enough of the soil to see if the bulb is smaller than it was when you planted it outside. Amaryllis blooms best outside when it gets pretty much a full day's sun.
Renée, I'd leave the bulb in the ground until frost kills the tops.
Barb, in your climate you can leave the pots outdoors, unless frost threatens.
