Cream the sugar and butter well. Add beaten eggs and vanilla. Sift the flour with the spices and at to the creamed mixture alternately with water in which soda has been dissolved. Mix in raisins, dates, and nuts. Drop by tablespoons onto greased cookie sheets (don't forget to grease cookie sheets or use parchment paper). Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 15 mins or until browned.Yield: 6 dozen cookies