Hi there Bigshooter,
Congratulations on your weight loss so far, you're doing wonderfully!
I basically believe that the strips are a waste of time and money.
Yes, it is certainly possible to be in ketosis without losing weight, and it is also possible to lose weight without being in ketosis!
You can spill ketones into the urine for many reasons. Burning fat is one of those reasons. But the strips can also change colour if you have just eaten a very fatty meal, drunk some alcohol, or are dehydrated (whether or not you are low carbing).
Conversely, if you are drinking lots of water, you may actually be in ketosis, but have diluted the effect so much that the strips don't change colour.
If you do still want to use them, it doesn't matter how dark they are, you are either in ketosis or you're not. In fact lighter is better, because dark often means you should be drinking more.
And Vegitarian, you might want to do some reading. You'll find information about ketostix in Dr Atkins' book.
Rosebud