Dissolve Baking soda in Water, set aside.
Blend in mixer:
sugar, shortening, molasses, eggs.

Combine:
flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt.
Add to mixer bowl, mix.

Pour baking soda water over mix, blend thoroughly.
Dough is is like soggy tootsie roll, very heavy & thick.
Shape into log, wrap in saran wrap, refrigerate overnight if possible.

*Chill dough 2+ hours
*Roll dough 1/4 inch thick
*Place 2 inches apart
*Ungreased pan is ok

*Rest on cookie sheet 1 to 2 mins after baking
*Frost with Shummy Frosting when completely cooled.