Lost Google app on my Nexus 7

[Nels Henry]

The recent update scrambled my Nexus. Specifically, my Apex Launcher would not work.
I misunderstood (old fart that I am) a solution I found on the web. Instead of deleting the google account I was using. I attempted to delete the google app. In the app drawer/app info, I uninstalled the updates. Somewhere, I think I did a menu/delete or remove.
Anyway, its gone. That little translucent bar at the top of the screen with the microphone. Gone. The g icon. Gone.
Can anybody tell this dumb old man how to get it back.

 

[GolfOx]

Look in the widget section. It is Google Search. From another old fart

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

 

[Nels Henry]

Thank you. I was excited when I found that widget deep in the drawer. The translucent bar with the microphone.
I press and hold to bring it to the home screen. But, releasing the widget on the home screen causes the microphone to vanish.
And the translucent bar is nothing more than a non-functioning translucent bar. Tapping it or double tapping it produces no effect.
I hope there is something else somebody can suggest short of wiping the whole tablet.