I received positive feedback. Obviously I had an extremely understanding buyer and luckily it was a low cost item. Thanks to all here who gave feedback on how to handle it. Regarding this package and a few others that have faced similar obstacles some of what I have learned is:
Keep the buyer informed but don't jump to refund prematurely. If a case is opened and your tracking is still showing movement you can call eBay and ask for an extension. Not sure how long this additional grace period will be in effect but as two weeks ago that worked for me. I opened cases and inquiries with USPS. These were first class packages so I had no grounds of getting refunded, it was more the principle of wanting them to try and locate my packages. However, I cannot understand how it helps if my package is stuck in NY but the USPS person who contacts me is from the destination post office in WY and basically can't do much. Regardless, if a case was closed without resolution I reopened it. Not sure if any of these things did help or if it just finally shook loose. The tracking for this one package was the most bizarre and frustrating I had ever dealt with. Just wanted to give any one experiencing this a little hope that almost always the packages show up and I am grateful for my (mostly) very patient buyers.
