According to :
I checked the bulb, it is one of the energy saving variety, i.e. not
strictly incandescent but not fluorescent either. It uses the
same socket as incandescent.

It's probably a CF (compact fluorescent). Which is why it didn't
work right. These things aren't simple resistive devices, and
may behave erratically when fed too little power for continuous
full voltage operation. Eg: flashing.

Does anybody know of a switch timer that would use a standard
battery (min 6 months without replacement) and would operate
the patio light as a standard 2-way wall switch without drawing
any current??

I've never seen such a beast. It takes a fair amount of power
to switch, and you probably won't get enough lifetime on a battery.

Unless you can get a neutral to the switch (and go to a timer that
uses a neutral), or, switch to incandescent, you may be out of luck.

It is _possible_ that a dimmable CF bulb will behave properly because
they're designed for variable power levels. Dimmable CFs are newer, and
harder to find. Here's one list of dimmable CFs:

http://www.environmentaldefense.org/...e=0&feature1=1

Our Home Depot has dimmable R30s, R38s and R40s - which are all floods.
It may have other types, but I didn't see them.
--
Chris Lewis,

Age and Treachery will Triumph over Youth and Skill
It's not just anyone who gets a Starship Cruiser class named after them.