UK still grounded

The dust plume from the Eyjafjallajökull (don't ask me to pronounce it) volcano is still quieting the skies over Europe, and it seems set to continue.

This is becoming a serious problem and I am not just thinking of holidaymakers and jet-set businessmen. A lot of manufacturing relies on rapidly moving small mechanical or electrical components, much fresh fruit and veg travels by air and of course there are cut flowers. This is a huge industry, often employing very low paid workers whose livelihoods depend on bringing an ephemeral product to market.

The previous eruption of 'the volcano which cannot be named' lasted about two years. It began in 1821 and I suspect that the direct descendants of the Montgolfier brothers had different air safety concerns.

Today there are clear skies and lovely sunshine. It's strange how something unnoticeable can have such a profound effect; but then again, I remember Chernobyl.

Whilst the Earth decides our fate, there are some stunning photos of 'that place in Iceland with a volcano' at the Big Picture. Worth a look.