I just found your trip report today and am loving it but I have to share something with you...
This is absolutely hysterical!! I found someone else in this world that rubs a pillow case!! lol

My fathers pillow (case) always stayed so cold. So when my mother bought a new sheet set, I asked my dad for the pillow case. I used it until it fell apart. Okay, so I am 38 now. Many years later, I have always found something cold to hold at night. It currently is the hem off of an old pillowcase. We (me and my son who is 10) call it the "sleepy". My husband thinks I am nuts and have genetically given it to my son!!!

Can't explain it. I do think it a little odd, but it is comforting to know that I am not alone in this world with such an odd habit!!
Thanks for sharing!