Oatmeal cake

1-1/4 cup boiling water
1 cup oatmeal
1 stick butter or margarine
1-1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix first 3 ingredients and let stand. In a large mixing bowl combine flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, sugars, eggs and vanilla. Add oatmeal mixture. Put in 9x13 pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until done. Put topping on while cake is still hot.

TOPPING:

2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Bring to a boil. Add to cake while cake is still warm.