One of the things I love (and hate) about the farm life is the knowledge that we control very little. Last year we were all set up for a bumper crop of heirloom tomatoes only the typical heat and humidity of a Minnesota summer never materialized. It was great as far as working the fields but the tomatoes suffered.

In our modern age with temperature controlled everything we like to think that we can control all things. Last week’s eruption of Mt. Eyjafjallajökull proved we control nothing. My sister’s in-laws had family visiting from England for a wedding and guess what, they are still here, going on 2 weeks later–this was not intended.

Last night we were watching CNN and the commentator said that the new eruption was causing even more problems. He said that anyone who thinks this will be over soon hasn’t studied history. Apparently the last time this volcano erupted in the 1800s is erupted for get this 2 solid years. Yes years.

My heart goes out to all those stranded around the world. They are getting a harder lesson then most of us that we cannot control everything or maybe even anything.

Another problem is the local farms. The ash will disrupt soil fertility for a long time. Luckily we don’t like in the shadow of a volcano.