Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Dissolve soda in buttermilk and add to creamed mixture. Place flour in large bowl, add dates, orange slices and nuts. Stir to coat each piece. Add flour mixture and coconut to creamed mixture. Bake in greased 9 or 10 inch tube pan at 250 degrees for 2 1/2 hours. Remove from oven and pour hot glaze over top of cake. Let set overnight in pan. Randy Rigg