What would cause one wall outlet in living room, 2nd fl hall light and outside house light not work. Checked breakers - no issue with them. Then 2 months later the power comes back on

Probably caused by the use of the "quick connect" connect holes in the back of switches and outlets. Using the quick connect wiring method is known to develop bad connections over a period of time.
Remove one of your outlets and see if it is wired using the quick connects holes. If so begin rewiring all outlets and switches using the screw terminals.

If you don't the problem will return, on that circuit and others.