If they are from the common pine I have remembered seeing in the south the needles are like 8" long, so calling it straw makes some sense. Around here some needles are like 1" long so not very strawlike.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.