Cream shortening and brown sugar. Add eggs. Dissolve soda in water and add to mixture. Add vanilla. Mix flour with oats in water and add to mixture. Mix all together and drop by teaspoons on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees, 15 minutes.
Raisins and nuts may be added.
*Note of recipe author: I've used 1 cup brown sugar with 1 cup white sugar and 2 1/2 cups flour, or with 2 cups brown sugar and 3 cups flour.