Beth's Haunted Halloween

Halloween derives its name from the fact that in the Christian calendar it occurs the day before 'All Saints' or All Hallows' Day.
It was the last night of the old year according to the ancient calendar of the Celts. On that night it was said that the witches, hobgoblins, warlocks, and other evil spirits walked abroad and devoted themselves to wicked revels. But the good fairies, too, according to some folklore, made their appearance at this time, but only from the hour of dusk until midnight.

The black cat has long been associated with witches. Many superstitions have evolved about cats. It was believed that witches could change into cats. Some people also believed that cats were the spirits of the dead.
One of the best known superstitions is that of the black cat. If a black cat was to cross your path you would have to turn around and go back because many people believe if you continued bad luck would strike you.

Cat Superstitions
In North America, it's bad luck if a black cat crosses your path and good luck if a white cat crosses your path. In Britain and Ireland, it's the opposite.
People in Scotland tend to believe that a strange black cat on the porch is a sign indicative of prosperity.
Italians are of the belief that it’s a good omen to hear a cat sneezing.
If you happen to catch the glimpse of a white cat at night, it is associated with bad luck.
Americans have a superstition that if one dreams of a white cat, it is indicative of good luck.
Dutch are of the belief that cats are gossip masters and are in a habit of gossiping around in the town.
Irish believe that killing a cat brings seventeen years of bad luck
In Europe, people are of the belief that black cats have a connection with witches
In Egypt, it was once believed that the life-giving rays of the sun were kept in a cat's eyes at night for safekeeping.

Cat Litter Treats for Halloween
You will need:
A new cat litter pan New plastic litter scoop Large box or two of grapenuts type cereal Your favorite no-bake cookie recipe Directions: Pour the grapenuts into the pan. Drop no-bake cookie dough into the grapenuts. Once they are semi-hard, roll them in the grapenuts if you want. Add the scoop for people to serve themselves.
My no-bake recipe:
1 stick of butter or margarine 2 cups of sugar 3 tablespoons of cocoa 1/2 cup of evaporated milk 1/2 cup of peanut butter 3 cups or rolled oats 1 teaspoon of vanilla
Combine the first four ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Cook for one minute. This can also be done in the microwave but make sure the bowl is big to prevent "boil over". Remove from heat, stir in the peanut butter, the vanilla, and the rolled oats and mix until it shines. Drop on to waxed paper or into your grapenuts. Let them cool. Enjoy!