Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Please help identify these pods on my Arborvitae, 1 by medinac

medinac wrote:
This is a new one to me. I have never seen these little pod growths on any other Arborvitae before and only one tree has them on it. You will see from the picture it appears they are part of the tree - growing from the branch with needles surrounding the pod but then others I have pulled off almost seem they are spun-like silk thread with the pods hanging off the branch. Also, (and very sorry for the grossness) they felt squishy and when I squeeze them they goosh green slimy stuff out which almost looks like tree something or another but could be.... I don't know, alien gunk?