Well it looks like i fixed it.
just in case it happens to someone else this is what i did so either it was a coincidence or it worked.
//chrome/components
find adobe flash player in list.
Mine said that it was up to date. but i went ahead and clicked search for update button.
After that it said something i don't remember. Anyway.. i closed the browser after that. reopened it. went to WGT and the left hand frame is visible again.
Shrug... who knows maybe it updated.