My Passions & Hobbies
Here's a more detailed look at the things that fascinate me and keep me busy when I'm not coding.
đ Mycology & Mushroom Cultivation
My journey into mycology began five years ago when I discovered the fascinating world of fungi. I now run HappyCaps Mushroom Farm, where I cultivate various gourmet and medicinal mushrooms including:
- Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) - Known for its cognitive benefits
- Blue Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus var. columbinus) - A culinary delight with a mild flavor
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) - Prized for its adaptogenic properties
- King Oyster (Pleurotus eryngii) - Meaty texture perfect for vegan dishes
I've developed my own substrate mixes and cultivation techniques, and I enjoy experimenting with different growing conditions to optimize yields and mushroom quality.
đšī¸ ZX Spectrum Next Game Development
The ZX Spectrum was my first computer, and I've rekindled that love with the modern ZX Spectrum Next. I'm currently working on:
- A retro-style platformer, continuing the adventures of the Magic Knight, using Z80 assembly
- A mushroom identification game combining my two passions
- Restoration/remake of classic games with enhanced graphics while preserving the original gameplay
- A new graphic adventure, sea exploration game, The Deep
I find the constraints of retro hardware oddly liberating, forcing creative solutions to technical limitations.
đŖââī¸ Kayaking & Outdoor Adventures
Water has always called to me, and kayaking provides the perfect way to explore nature from a unique perspective. My kayaking adventures include:
- Exploring the Severn River and the River Wye and their tributaries
- Stand-Up-Paddle-boarding on the Wye and lakes at South Cerney
- Dawn paddles to observe wildlife in their natural habitats
- Combining photography with kayaking to capture hard-to-reach landscapes
These trips provide not just exercise, but a chance to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature.
đĨ Cooking & Trying New Recipes
My culinary adventures often feature mushrooms from my farm, but extend well beyond fungi. I particularly enjoy:
- Fermentation projects including homemade kimchi and sauerkraut
- Developing plant-based recipes that showcase the meatiness of mushrooms
- Exploring international cuisines, with a current focus on Korean and Thai dishes
- Baking sourdough bread with a starter I've maintained for three years
Cooking serves as both a creative outlet and a way to share experiences with friends and family.
đĨī¸ Coding & Retro Computing
Beyond professional coding, I have a passion for vintage computers and their unique architectures:
- Collecting and restoring vintage computing hardware
- Writing efficient code for resource-constrained systems
- Exploring creative coding through generative art projects
- Contributing to open-source emulation projects to preserve computing history
I believe understanding computing history provides valuable insights into modern development challenges.
Want to Connect?
If you share any of these interests or want to collaborate on a project, I'd love to hear from you!