thanks. i've asked my hubby before if he had some metal he could add to the base but he's never done anything.
Ha! look what i found.
http://www.clotilde.com/detail.html?prod_id=700
i have their catalog but didn't notice this one. mine is black plastic. I may call them and see if they can tell me more. it's not expensive. the flower looking heavy metal ones i found on Pauls' site are $40.00 and up.