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During the colder months of the year, from after Fitzgibbons' harvest, which probably takes place during Autumn, the house likely provides a lot of protection -- from predators like the farm's cat Dragon and other animals and a warm home. In the warmer months, just before Fitzgibbons prepares the field for planting and plows it, the family will pack up their home and move to their summer home, probably in the forest but in a safe place they've found without the threat of animals or severe weather conditions. When the plow comes through, the cinderblock probably is knocked around in the soil but comes to rest in the same general area and the family just moves their possessions back in, no matter where the block is.

When Fitzgibbons decides to start plowing early this year because conditions allowed him to, there's a big hitch in the Brisbys' moving plans: the youngest of them, Timmy, has caught pneumonia and needs to stay put and rest. If they try to move it, he could become more ill and die in the cold air.

The Great Owl suggests asking the rats for help but also makes an even more important suggestion: move the cinderblock to the "lee of the stone" in the field, a large rock that sticks up out of the ground that Fitzgibbons obviously needs to plow around to avoid damaging his equipment. If the block is placed closer to the stone, it will never get caught up in the plow's blades. When the house is moved, because of the rain that fell, it sinks back into the mud and becomes overgrown with plant life, providing camouflage. Whether or not the family decides to live there year round instead of using their summer home it not answered but it seems like a much safer place to live.

Yes. The book title called Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH is a 1971 children's fantasy/science fiction book by American author Robert C. O' Brien.

National Institute of Mental Health. It is a real organization founded in 1949 and headquartered in Bethesda, MD.