Path Tool help needed

I have somehow screwed up my Path Tool. I have managed to turned off the visibility.  I can't see/add nodes. Tiny paths show up in the dockers, but not on my actual project.  I have used them before with success and vaguely recall hiding them on a previous project some time ago to see if my overall effect was correct, but now I can't get them back!  I have selected show/hide about 1000 times and they just won't come back. I'm very frustrated and the "help" section provides absolutely NONE!

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.