As bad as it is, I kinda wish it was even more epic... when Pinatubo blew up in 1991, we had some BANGER seasons after the fact. (then again, seeing as that took place in the east indies, it had a much larger impact on the el nino zone)
Volcanic ash usually means good winters ahead. Not sure how this cloud will effect snowfall next winter in europe... but my guess is that it wont suck...