Morris A. Grant of Somerville gripped his cane tightly as the sun lit up his 68-year-old face underneath a bus stop's glass cabana in Central Square last Saturday. He took a deep breath and leaned back as his No. 47 bus arrived, and zoomed off without him on board.

"On days like today," the retired factory worker said, nodding, "I have all the time in the world."

As last week's "heat wave" pushed the temperature into the 60s, residents took to the outdoors in force, swarming the squares and jamming the recreational paths in Cambridge.

With the calendar proclaiming the official start of spring, locals are rejoicing, saying their lives, jobs and daily activities are made easier and more pleasant by the seasonal transition. Even considering the clouds and showers of early this week, Cantabrigians are praising the sunny season.

Grant, a veteran of World War II, was en route to visit his brother in Boston, and said the winter weather prevents him from making the trip from December through February.

"I just can't get outside with all the wind and cold temperatures," Grant said, taking off his cap and dabbing his brow with a handkerchief.

"I don't get around very well," he said, waving his cane in the air. " I'd rather stay by the heater than try to go out in that cold stuff."

During winter, Grant said he has to rely on neighbors and family members to run errands and do shopping because he doesn't want to risk his health by going outside.

"If you slip on some ice and break a hip, you're done," he said flatly.