Death Throes?

You'd think that if a tree had been growing in your garden for the last 28 years you'd know if it bore fir cones or not. Well we've never seen cones on this tree before and it's not like it's just matured - it was a big tree when we moved here - so what's going on? Is it okay that all that sap is running down the cone? Actually what kind of tree is it? My best guess from my "tree book" is a Norwegian Spruce any info would be appreciated.

Mrs L is worried that when one of her plants flowered for the first time ever it was because it was going to die. RCB on the other hand is excited that it may attract Crossbills to the garden. In fact he's almost as excited as when he saw the Golden Pheasant, especially as the lady on reception said you'd be very lucky to catch a glimpse of him, especially as there was a work party on the reserve.