AWwww thanks soo much Cinn. That was such a helpful answer....Will definitely be patient, and it looks like a lot more folks are facing this problem and not just me.
That is such a fab idea about letting the alts know where the other avi is - I have requested an add - so hopefully when the sims are restarted I should be able to see myself. Will do what you suggest asap so that it will help me in the future....such a brilliant suggestion!!
Many thanks
Purr..