lost menu bar network connect icon - now authenticate

[Hoodoo Vudu]

Lost my wireless connection icon in the menu bar.
I slapped at keys too quickly and now I need to authenticate a connection each time.

I am good with authenticating connections, but I would like the icon back.
Any suggestions, or do I need to put up an ad on the grocery store bulletin board, next to lost pets?

This issue HAS GOT to be here somewhere... didn't find it it, so will hazard the question.

btw, if it matters: just upgraded to Meerkat yesterday.

[dwhite]

right click on the panel...select add to panel...choose to add "notification area" the network manager applet shows up there