B2U - My Gram was the same way. She saved everything. My mom and dad are a little better. They save some and recycle the rest. I have learned all sorts of things from my parents doing this. We used the smaller wooden spools for seats outside, playing games with, etc. They're great!

DBF bought a used small vanity for the bathroom at his rental. The guy gave him, for free, an old really neat front door. The door didn't fit and DBF was going to through it away. I convinced him not to. I am going to take it apart and use the wood to make either a table top or a desk top. The hand carved panels I am going to do something with to make some wall art out of them.

Of course, DBF thought I was crazy until I explained what this "piece of junk" could be with a little bit of handiwork. Doors make great work tops whether for a table or desk. I even saw somewhere that someone had taken a door and used it as a patio table. They put glass in the inlaid panels and it was decorated so beautifully.