Oatmeal Cake

1 cup oatmeal
1 1/2 cup boiling water
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 1/3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon


Stir oatmeal in boiling water.  Let stand while making other ingredients.  Add oatmeal to mixture last.  Bake 40 to 45 minutes at 350 degrees in 9x13-inch cake pan.


TOPPING:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup margarine
2 tablespoons cream or canned milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup nuts 
1/2 cup packed coconut (or more, if desired)


Melt to spreading consistency over low heat.  Spread on top of hot cake.  Put back into oven until topping bubbles.