Things to apply to one's back, and not to apply

As I may have mentioned, the bed got shipped off yesterday, so I made a
nest on the floor of several quilts on top of an exercise mat. Not too
bad. The cats find it fascinating to have me on their level.

This morning, I woke up with a sore lower back, probably from unusual
and awkward lifting while loading the trailer yesterday. Were I

Monique Y. Mudama...

You don't think it might be because you were sleeping on an unfamiliar
surface (to wit, the floor)?

Your description of the parade running across you was hilarious!

sleeping on a mat in a high-end Japanese inn, I might have the aches
relieved by a delightfully skilled masseuse walking gently on my back.

Instead, as my eyes started to open, I heard a thundering and loud
squawking, as three cats, in pursuit of a bird, ran across my back.
Rhonda was running in the lead. Ding was trotting closely behind her,
and Mr. Clark was at a dignified walk as he observed his juniors...but
Mr. Clark is not light on his paws.

I got close to the bird once but couldn't grab it, and have realized
there is too much stuff on the floor for me to chase them. I haven't
heard crashes for a while, but this has gone on all day. I've seen the
bird in Rhonda's mouth at least twice, but I also know she and Ding
never actually encountered a bird and may not recognize prey.

Karen...

There was a bird INSIDE? Wow. The cats must think you have moved them
to paradise.

Howard C. Berkowitz...

Still in the old house. It appears that a window or two may have
slipped slightly open.