Cast Iron Ring

Woke up by the cedar planter and shook the morning chill out of my boots. Walking across the patio, I ran into a massive black umbrella anchored into the pavers. Its heavy cast-iron base had a thick steel tightening knob sticking out near the bottom collar. I grabbed the cold star-shaped knob with both hands, planted my boots against the ridged iron plate, and hauled upward with everything I had. The steel groaned, but the base stayed welded to the stone. Locked my arms, leaned my weight back, and held the tension until my shoulders clicked into place. Solid anchor to start the day.