Re: Patience.
"Only last year I changed the last lightbulb out for the low energy long lasting types"
I changed out for CFLs over a decade ago. Even name brands (eg: GE) bought at chain stores (B&Q) have had spotty lifespans (6 weeks in one case).
Now the CFLs are EOL, I'm changing for LEDs. Only the security lights are left to change.