My digital camera died and I need a new one. Any recommendation?

I will only be using it for pictures of wood, projects, cats, picnics and the likes. Will probably get extra memory but usually only take 10-15 pictures at a time. Would like at least 4.0 mp, some zoom, a good flash and a short time between "next shot delay". Would like to keep it around $250.

Thanks in advance.

Regards, Joe