Finder sidebar opens at root i.e. /

Recently, Lion 10.7.4 apparently changed my Home Directory on my midyear 2009 MacBook Pro.
Now, when I open a finder window, the sidebar shows the contents of the Root Directory i.e. /.
I went to an Apple Store, and they reinstalled Lion. The problem returned. It's a huge incovience to travel from Mt. Shasta to the Apple Store in Roseville again to have them look at this problem.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Carl Carlson

I'm sorry for the delay in getting back to this problem. I've been ill.
Answer to your first question: What exactly do you mean by "click on them in the Finder?"
I ment clicking on the name of the item in the main (right part) of the finder.
Answer to secont question: If the Applications alias in the sidebar ...
There is nothing in the sidebar except my hard disk name: "Macintosh HD"
and the name of the partition BOOTCAMP.
I cannot drag the Application Folder (or anything else) into the sidebar.
Not when I'm in either Root or my Home Folder.
Answer to third question: I ment the title of your home directory...
My home directory as seen by looking in /Users is "carlcarlsonold".
My name in Users & Groups is "Carl Carlson".
This is as it has alway been. I don't believe I change either.
Answer to your fourth question: what opens when you type cmd-shift-a in the Finder
It opens the Application Folder that resides in Root. This happens wether I am in Root or
my Home Folder.
I do appreciate your help.
Carl Carlson

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