Animaterra:

We can understand your problem. Our new grandaughter might have been named Allison, but for the damnable connection with Peyton Place. Yes, Mudcatters all, that's how we pronounce our name. We spell it Paton, as they do in Ayrshire, Scotland, where my grandfather was born, but it is pronounced as though it were spelled Payton.

We wear it with pride, since Robbie Burns' first illigitimate child was born to one Elizabeth Paton, for whom he created the song "The Rantin' Dog, the Daddy O't." Galston, Ayrshire, wasn't all that far from Robbie's stompin' grounds, but my father was unwilling to pursue the possible connection. Proper Methodist, he. I'd jump on any relationship to Burns like a turkey on a junebug!

Sandy